Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), stated on Wednesday that attempts are being made to expand waterways with the support of the private sector. Under the National Waterways Act of 2016, 111 inland waterways have been designated as National Waterways (NWs) in order to promote water transportation throughout the nation.
Bandopadhyaya stated at the Maritime Public-Private Partnership Conclave 2022, “We have issued assured depth contracts at three sections, and additional contracts are under bid.”
He added that streams and rivers around Kolkata are being developed and that the city is connected to other areas of the country, including the far-flung north-eastern region.
The development of inland waterways for shipping and navigation is governed by the central government through IWAI, an independent organisation under the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways.
Ferry and tourist vessels may use the infrastructure built on NWs, such as channels with navigational facilities and terminals/jetties.
Additionally, the Sagarmala project has authorised financial support for the construction of passenger jetties and other facilities across Karnataka’s waterways.
108.79 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo were transported by inland water through NWs in 2021–2022. (IndiaSeatrade)
