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India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
'Inland waterways to expand from 11 states to 23 states and 3UTs,' says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Inland Waterways Transport in Mumbai, where it was revealed that 76 waterways are targeted to be made operational by 2027, with cargo volume expected to surge by 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by end of FY 2026, an official statement said. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency under the Ministry, presented a comprehensive review of major projects, future projections, and the roadmap ahead. Members of Parliament attending the meeting acknowledged and appreciated the progress made and supported increased budgetary allocations to boost the sector's growth. The footprint of inland water transport is expected to expand significantly-from 11 states in FY 2024 to 23 states and 4 Union Territories by FY 2027. To support this growth, projects worth Rs. 1,400 crores were launched or announced during the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held on January 10 earlier this year. Additionally, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal survey each month to assess Least Available Depth (LAD) for improved navigability. Cargo Volume is likely to make an incremental growth up to 156 MTPA by March, 2026 inching closer towards the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 MTPA. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'Inland waterways are emerging as the watershed moment in India's logistics and transport ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are witnessing a transformational shift with policy interventions like the National Waterways Act, 2016, the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and supplemented by multiple programmes like Jal Marg Vikas Project, Arth Ganga, Jalvahak scheme, Jal Samriddhi scheme, Jalyan & Navic among others. Through Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.' 'These roadmaps are not just policy documents-they are catalysts driving India toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse. Today's meeting with esteemed Members of Parliament reflects a unified commitment to boost infrastructure and unlock the immense economic potential of our rivers and coasts. With enhanced budgetary support and cooperative federalism, we are building a greener, more efficient, and future-ready waterway network across the country,' he added. The Regional Waterways Grid aims to boost economic activity by ensuring seamless vessel movement from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, Karimganj, and Badarpur via the IBP route, creating a 4,067 km economic corridor. A traffic study and DPR for renovating the Jangipur navigation lock are underway. The project's cargo potential is estimated at 32.2 MMTPA by 2033. On NW 1 (Ganga), a dedicated waterway corridor spanning 1,390 km is being developed to enable seamless movement of vessels, enhancing the efficiency of inland transport. As part of this initiative, capacity augmentation of NW-1 is underway to support the navigation of 1,500-2,000 DWT vessels, alongside the creation of key cargo handling facilities at Varanasi (MMT), Kalughat (IMT), Sahibganj (MMT), and Haldia (MMT). Inland Waterways has major projects in the Northeast. A Rs 5,000 crore roadmap is planned over the next five years. On NW-2 (Brahmaputra), four permanent terminals--Dhubri, Jogighopa, Pandu, and Bogibeel--and 13 floating terminals are supported by fairway and navigation upgrades. A Rs 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu and a Rs 180 crore alternative road are set for completion by 2026 and 2025, respectively. On NW-16 (Barak), terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur are active, while NW-31 (Dhansiri) is being developed to support NRL's expansion. Adding further, Sonowal said, 'In line with the Harit Nauka Guidelines, the Inland Waterways Authority is committed to green and sustainable transport solutions, including the procurement of electric catamarans and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels. By strengthening urban water transport through water metro projects and promoting eco-friendly cruise tourism, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in inland waterways transportation. The Regional Waterways Grid aims to seamlessly connect Assam and the Northeast with the rest of India through an integrated network of inland waterways. This will boost regional trade, tourism, and connectivity while unlocking economic potential across the Brahmaputra and Barak River systems. Government is also working on a Rs 5,000 crore roadmap for Inland Waterways Development in Northeast over next 5 years.' The committee also reviewed the ongoing works on NW -1 (river Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra) among other states like Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. India's river cruise tourism is witnessing robust growth, with 15 river cruise circuits now operational across 13 National Waterways (NWs) spanning nine states. The number of NWs supporting river cruises has risen from just three in 2013-14 to 13 in 2024-25, while luxury river cruise vessels have increased significantly from three to 25 during the same period. To further boost inland water-based tourism, 51 additional cruise circuits have been identified on 47 NWs for development by 2027. Three World class river cruise terminals are also planned, with construction underway at Kolkata. Feasibility studies for terminals at Varanasi and Guwahati are being conducted by IIT Madras, while four more terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are set to be developed by 2027. The Consultative Committee meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal while Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur was also present. (ANI)
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Despite NH 66 ‘fault lines', NHAI delivers balanced cantilever bridge in Varapuzha
KOCHI: Even as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) faces backlash over the collapse of an under-construction stretch of NH 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram, it has successfully completed construction of the only balanced cantilever bridge — in Varapuzha — that is part of the road-widening project. Considered a complex construction activity, the 1.03-km-long balanced cantilever bridge was completed in a record 604 days at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The old Varapuzha bridge over the Periyar River, inaugurated on January 16, 2001, was the first balanced cantilever bridge constructed in Kerala. It went on to bag structural awards. 'We opted for the balanced cantilever technology to cater to navigational requirements, as the bridge falls under the purview of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, which mandates minimum vertical and horizontal clearance for the safe passage of vessels and ships,' a senior NHAI official said. While normal bridges have a shorter span--the distance between two consecutive supports of a bridge—the balanced cantilever is best suited for spans exceeding 50 metres and generally limited to 150 metres. 'The bridge has a total of 26 spans. The river portion has 83-metre spans on both sides with the central span measuring 120 metres, adequate for smooth navigational traffic below. Oriental Structural Engineers Pvt Ltd completed the work in a timely manner,' the official added. The stretch of the Periyar sees regular boat services operated by Kochi Water Metro and State Water Transport Department (SWTD). This is besides local ferry services. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), in collaboration with Eloor municipality, is planning to launch adventure water sports in the water body. Balanced cantilever method The relatively speedy, cost-effective construction method is specifically suited to areas with difficult terrain or over perennial waterbodies. The technology involves constructing the bridge using 'segments' which are concreted into formwork fixed to a special movable steel structure called form traveller. An optimal design and weight of the form traveller is fundamental for the design and cost-effectiveness of the structure.
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Northeast Waterways to get boost from ₹1K cr investment: Sarbananda Sonowal
More than Rs 1,000 crore has been invested in the waterways in the Northeast in the last two years, while another Rs 1,000 crore will be pumped in to boost the sector, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday. He said efforts were underway to boost cargo and passenger movement, improve last-mile connectivity and promote economic growth in the region. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways was speaking after reviewing ongoing projects in Assam and other northeastern states with senior officials of the ministry, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). "In the last two years, more than Rs 1,000 crore has been invested, with Rs 300 crore worth of projects already completed... We are on track to complete the remaining Rs 700 crore projects by the end of 2025," Sonowal said. Projects worth an additional Rs 1,000 crore are on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026, he said. "These efforts aim to boost cargo and passenger movement, improve last-mile connectivity, promote economic growth in the Northeast, and align with the broader vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' through sustainable and inclusive transport solutions," he added. Sonowal said the Union government is actively developing key infrastructure projects along NW2 (Brahmaputra) and NW16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels of various capacities, terminal facilities and capacity-building initiatives. He also reviewed progress on the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake, and assessed the potential of Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland for water sports and tourism. Feasibility studies for IWT development on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as on Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya were also reviewed. Speaking at the review meet, Sonowal said, "Since 2014, the Modi government has revived the once-neglected mode of water transport, especially through the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Schemes such as Jalvahak are encouraging businesses to adopt this economical, efficient, and eco-friendly mode, reducing pressure on road and rail, and positioning Assam as a key driver in India's journey towards a self-reliant economy by 2047." Reviewing multiple projects ranging from new infrastructure development for capacity enhancement on national waterways to scaling up skill development initiatives for youth of the region in the maritime sector, the Union minister emphasised the urgency and the need for optimum utilisation of funds. To further enhance cruise tourism and cargo handling capacity across Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, over Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for key projects scheduled to be completed by 2027-28. These include the construction of modern jetties equipped with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. Additionally, a new building for the regional office of the Mercantile Marine Department will be constructed at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati. Sonowal also noted progress on the proposed water metro services in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, among others, with a Rs 315-crore investment and two electric catamarans being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. A Rs 100-crore cruise terminal in Guwahati and a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh worth Rs 120 crore are also in the pipeline. On Barak River, Sonowal reaffirmed that survey and dredging equipment, and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur projects reflect the government's commitment to making Northeast a hub of India's maritime future. To ensure consistent navigability along the Brahmaputra, the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has been entrusted with maintaining a minimum assured draft of 2.5 metres from the India-Bangladesh border to Pandu under NW2 till 2026-27. For this effort, an additional Rs 191 crore has been sanctioned. These measures are a part of the government's broader initiative to integrate Northeast into the country's maritime growth trajectory, Sonowal added.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Road ministry sets timelines for land acquisition; environmental clearance for national highway projects
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The ministry of road transport and highways has set up milestones for land acquisition procedures , and environment, forest and wildlife clearances for all national highways projects that come up for bidding with effect from June 1, move will help synchronise the project approval, award and appointed date declaration activated by all the stakeholders and will help in avoiding delays in construction of national highway projects after award and prevent contractual disputes as well as time and cost overruns, the ministry said in a recent notification. Care Ratings report shows as much as 55% of the 374 road projects awarded by the national highways body, with an aggregate construction cost value of Rs 1 lakh crore, are delayed beyond six months as of December 2024 with time overrun up from 33% in June 2023 to 55% in December per the notification, environmental clearance , wildlife clearance, general agreement drawings of Railways and utility shifting estimates have to be in place before bids are received, while the general agreement drawings of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has to be completed before inviting the bid and the forest clearance have to be completed before issue of letter of land acquisition, however, it has notified that over 90% of right of way (ROW) length for the project has to be acquired before receipt of transport minister Nitin Gadkari, in response to a question in Rajya Sabha in December, said nearly 44% of national highway projects, each worth at least Rs 150 crore, across 32 states and union territories (UT), were under construction as of March 2024, but are facing to Gadkari, 419 out of 952 such projects had missed their original completion deadlines by March 2024, with delays at various stages of project completion, due to land acquisition bottlenecks, delays in obtaining statutory clearances and permissions, utility shifting, encroachment removal, and law and order had the highest number of delayed projects, with 59 out of 101 projects running behind schedule, he had said, adding proportionally, northeastern states and UTs are the worst affected.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
MoU signed for cargo movement by barges over inland waterways
: In a bid to start barge services for transporting cargo across key national waterways, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Tuesday (May 6, 2025) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global logistics major Rhenus Logistics India Private Limited. 'As part of the MoU, Rhenus will introduce 100 barges in a phased manner in the national waterways while 20 barges and 6 pushers [are] to be deployed in the first phase, targeting the movement of more than one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025,' the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a statement. 'Inland waterways offer a remarkable opportunity to create a greener, cost-effective, and efficient logistics network,' Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbnanda Sonowal said, speaking at the event. To begin with, Rhenus will operate on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers, as well as the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, moving bulk and break bulk (non-standardised, individual units of) cargo across the north, east, and northeast India, with gradual expansion to other national waterways. By leveraging Rhenus's expertise in European inland navigation, and its global fleet of over 1,100 barges, the partnership aims to bring global best practices to India. 'A combination of pushers and barges to suit the low draft navigation will be used to transport both bulk and break bulk cargo,' the Ministry said. The number of operational national waterways in India grew from three in 2014-15 to 24 by 2023-24, with a target of 29 by 2024-25. Cargo movement has surged from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014-15 to 133 MMTPA in 2023-24, adding up to the cumulative movement of over 779 MMT in the past decade, according to the Ministry. Currently, 14,500 km of navigable waterways span 111 declared national waterways, and the sector is poised to play a transformative role in the country's multimodal logistics framework, the Ministry said.
