New jetties and terminals boost trade; IWAI launches a digital portal to ease approvals.
The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, introduced by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), is set to unlock major opportunities for private players in India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector.
Private Investment to Power Waterways Growth
The new regulations will allow private, public, and joint venture entities to develop and operate jetties and terminals on national waterways, fostering trade, investment, and economic expansion. By streamlining infrastructure development, the initiative is expected to reduce logistics costs, enhance cargo movement, and boost inland waterways as a key driver of economic growth.
Key Provisions of the Regulations
Entities seeking to develop or operate terminals must obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NoC) from IWAI.
Both permanent and temporary terminals are covered under the regulations.
Permanent terminals can be operated for a lifetime, while temporary ones will have an initial five-year term with extension possibilities.
Developers and operators will handle technical design, construction, and business planning.
Digital Portal for Seamless Approvals
To enhance efficiency and transparency, IWAI is launching a digital application portal that will simplify the process for terminal developers and operators. This move aligns with the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) vision, leveraging digitalisation to fast-track approvals.
Waterways Sector on a Growth Trajectory
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, IWAI has scaled up national waterways cargo movement from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023–24. The newly launched Jalvahak scheme, aimed at shifting 17% of cargo transport to waterways, is expected to further bolster private participation.
With these transformative regulations and digital initiatives, private players will play a pivotal role in expanding inland waterway infrastructure, strengthening India’s logistics network, and driving economic growth.
Source: PIB Delhi
