The development of river economy in India is set to flourish with substantial infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing national waterways. The Indian government has announced a historic investment of ₹50,000 crores over the next five years to revamp and expand the inland waterway system. This initiative, discussed during the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held at Kaziranga, Assam, signifies a strategic move towards optimizing cargo transportation and boosting economic activities via rivers.
Government Investment and Strategic Planning
According to the official statement, the IWDC plans to inject ₹50,000 crores into the enhancement of infrastructure along national waterways in the next five years. This substantial funding is expected to significantly improve the country’s cargo handling capacity and facilitate trade.
#WATCH | Kaziranga, Assam | At the 2nd Inland Waterways Development Council meeting in Kaziranga, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal states, “In the last 10 years, our cargo handling capacity has reached 133 million metric tonnes. More than Rs 60,000 crores of investment have…” pic.twitter.com/cl3a5HunjD
— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2025
The meeting was organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), serving as the nodal agency under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for the development of waterways.
Green Initiatives: Launch of 1,000 Green Ships
During the meeting, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation through inland waterways. As part of this initiative, the government plans to operationalize 1,000 green ships over the next five years, which will be instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and preserving the ecological balance of river systems.
The success of the Kochi Water Metro project is a strong foundation, with plans to expand similar initiatives to 15 cities nationwide, including Guwahati. The IWDC aims to maximize the economic potential of inland water bodies by establishing a robust framework for development.
Advancements in Waterways and Regional Connectivity
The progress made in internal waterways development in India has significantly boosted trade and tourism, leading to remarkable economic growth. Between April and November 2024, there was a recorded 7% increase in waterway usage. Furthermore, river cruise tourism has seen impressive growth; from just 3 boats in 2013-14, the number has surged to 25 in 2023-24, enhancing India’s tourism profile.
India is actively working to strengthen trade and seamless transportation through strategic projects and agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. This initiative not only promises economic prosperity but also fosters environmentally sustainable practices and strengthens regional relationships.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for River Economy
With a hefty investment aimed at improving infrastructure and operating green technologies, the future of river economy in India looks promising. The focus on enhancing cargo handling capacity and promoting waterway tourism aligns with the country’s overall growth strategy, ensuring that the rich resources of India’s rivers are optimally utilized for the benefit of the economy and the environment.