Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Wing is responsible for the development, management, implementation of capacity-building, and institutional strengthening initiatives on National Waterways (NWs). The Wing is headed by the Advisor (Statistics), who is supported by one Director, one Under Secretary, and one Section Officer.

India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Freight transportation by waterways is highly underutilized compared to developed economies. India's hinterland connectivity is primarily based on road and rail, with domestic waterways playing a limited role. However, waterways are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transporting freight. Inland Water Transport (IWT) has the potential to supplement the overburdened railway and road networks. In addition to cargo movement, the IWT sector also supports the carriage of vehicles through Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services and promotes tourism.

The National Waterways Act, 2016 declared 111 inland waterways as National Waterways (NWs) to promote shipping and navigation. The total length of these waterways is 20,187 km, spread across 23 States and 4 Union Territories.

List of 111 National Waterways

The Government has laid special emphasis on the development of inland waterways as part of an integrated transport network to realize their untapped potential. Cargo movement on inland waterways increased from 29 MMT in 2014–15 to 218 MMT in 2025–26, achieving a CAGR of 20.13%. This has surpassed the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 target of 200 MMT. In line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047 targets, the modal share of freight movement through IWT is targeted to increase from 2% to 5%, with traffic volume expected to exceed 500 MMT by 2047. The number of operational National Waterways is targeted to reach more than 50 by 2047. Through consistent efforts, 32 National Waterways have already been operationalized, contributing to passenger and cargo movement. Regional connectivity is targeted to expand from two neighbouring countries to four by 2047. Furthermore, in line with Budget announcements, 18 of the proposed 20 new National Waterways are planned to be operationalized for passenger and cruise movement by 2030.

Under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, major reforms have modernized inland waterway operations. Eleven Rules under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (24 of 2021) had been published up to October 2024. Subsequently, eight amendment rules were notified up to March 2026. Additionally, the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 were introduced to encourage private participation, infrastructure development, and improved connectivity.

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was constituted under Section 3 of the IWAI Act, 1986 for the regulation and development of inland waterways for shipping, navigation, and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The headquarters of IWAI is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Initiatives Undertaken

1. NOC for Private Jetties:  MoPSW has launched an initiative to increase private sector participation in the development of Inland Water Transport. The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure development and improve the ease of doing business. Regulations have been established to facilitate the construction of jetties and terminals by private companies, public organizations, and joint ventures on National Waterways. To support this initiative, the Jal Samriddhi Portal has been developed for private operators. As of now, 57 users have registered on the portal. The first application was received from M/s Marinetek on 2 April 2025, and the NoC was issued on 9 April 2025 for NW-68. Additionally, NoCs have been issued to Yogayatan Port (NW-53), Baleshwar Shipyard (NW-23), and WBTIDCL (NW-1).
2. Digital Initiatives: The Ministry has introduced several transformative initiatives to modernize Inland Water Transport.

Jalyan & Navic: These platforms serve as a centralized registry for vessels and crew, enabling the "One Nation – One Registration" initiative through a single-window system. A total of 9,950 vessels have been registered to date, and 18 States have been onboarded to the platform.

Jal Samriddhi Portal launched under the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, to streamline NoC applications and attract private investment in riverine infrastructure. 

Naudarshika, the National River Traffic and Navigation System, is being developed to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable vessel movement, with real-time data on Least Available Depth (LAD).

CarD is a web-based portal for collection & compilation, analysis and dissemination of all the cargo and cruise movement data. Portal gives access of the data to public showcasing IWAI capabilities and potential of inland waterways transport (IWT).

PANI (Portal for Asset & Navigation Information) is an integrated solution bringing river navigation and infrastructure information on a single platform. It provides detailed information of various features of National Waterways and the assets such as fairway, infrastructure facilities, cross river structures, connectivity at jetties, emergency services for facilitating transportation of cargo.

Least Available Depth Information System (LADIS) portal ensures real time data on least available depth (LAD) to disseminate to ship/barge & cargo owners so that they can undertake transportation on NWs in a more planned way and to avoid any hindrance in service and operation.

3. Ship Repair Facilities at Varanasi, Patna and Pandu:- In a strategic move to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading regional hub for maritime services, a state-of-the-art ship repair facility is being developed in Varanasi. This facility will provide essential infrastructure and utility support for inland vessels. Similarly, the DPR for the ship repair facility at Patna, Bihar, is also being developed. Meanwhile, the ship repair facility at Pandu, Guwahati (Assam) is currently under construction, is near completion
4. Jhelum & Yamuna River Cruises:- As part of the Government of India’s broader push to enhance IWT and regional connectivity, several key initiatives have been undertaken along the Jhelum River NW-49 in Jammu & Kashmir for promotion of river cruise tourism. It is proposed from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake consisting of 76 km. These projects aim to unlock the economic and tourism potential of the region by improving navigability, infrastructure, and passenger amenities. The efforts align with the national vision of promoting sustainable and multimodal transport solutions, while also fostering cross-sectoral development in the Union Territory. IWAI and the MoPSW signed a MoU with key Delhi government agencies to transform a 4 km stretch of the Yamuna (NW-110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur into a hub for eco-friendly cruise tourism. The project will feature electric solar hybrid boats equipped with bio toilets and advanced safety systems, along with the installation of 2 HDPE floating jetties to ensure smooth operations. This initiative aims to promote sustainable, short-distance navigation and enhance recreational tourism in Delhi.
5. QPOMs:- To ensure seamless movement of vessels, innovative Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) have been introduced, eliminating delays and improving trade efficiency. Building on the success of QPOM on river Ganga (NW 1), the facility is now being extended to all the National Waterways. 2 nos. of QPOMs have been operationalized, one in Majhaua, Bihar and other in Nauranga, UP. 8 (4 in UP, 4 in Bihar) more to be installed.
6. National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI):- National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) has been setup to develop Human Resource for Inland Water Transport Sector. The Institute provides induction, upgradation and professional development training to the manpower for manning, operating Inland vessels and to the IWAI staff for development of waterways and for repair and maintenance of vessels.
7. Hybrid Electric Catamarans:- MoPSW has launched an initiative to reduce carbon emissions and provide the public with a greener mode of transport. Under this program, vessels are being constructed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL). Currently, 4 vessels have been deployed at Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata, with 4 more scheduled for deployment at different locations across India. These vessels are operated by Inland Coastal and Shipping Limited, a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India.
8. Neamati Ghat & Biswanath Ghat:- MoPSW has approved a proposal for the construction of a tourist terminal at Bishwanath ghat and a combined tourist cum cargo terminal at Neamati on National Waterway-2 in Assam, with an estimated investment of INR 158 Crore.
9. Regional Centre of Excellence at Dibrugarh:- MoPSW has approved a proposal for the construction of Regional Centre of Excellence at Dibrugarh, Assam, with a cost of INR 207 Crore.
10. Community Jetties :- Jetties are useful for the coastal communities as fish landing platforms. Under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) has undertaken construction of 66 new community jetties on NW-1 to boost the socio-economic condition of the people. These jetties are utilized by the riverine/coastal communities for transporting their goods, local trade promotion, livelihood support, tourism purpose, ferry operation etc. The total of 66 community jetties are already commissioned on NW-1 and 20 more  are proposed to be commissioned across different NWs.
11. Recent MoU signed with Rhenus Logistics:- An MoU has been signed with Rhenus Logistics for deployment of 100 cargo vessels / pusher tugs on NW-1, 2, 16, and the IBP routes.
12. River Cruises:- Viking Cruises, a renowned luxury cruise operator, is set to introduce river cruise services on the Brahmaputra River, marking a significant milestone in promoting river tourism in India. Royal Caribbean Cruise, has proposed to introduce 2 luxury vessels for river cruising in India. This initiative aims to bring world-class cruising experiences to Indian waterways.
13. Varanasi Freight Village (FV) at Varanasi:- A Freight Village is being developed in Varanasi, spread across 70 acres of land, to serve as a key logistics hub in the region. The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of NHAI, has been entrusted with the development of the FV to drive this initiative forward, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has already been formed, marking a significant step toward creating an integrated multimodal logistics ecosystem.

Key Achievements:

1. Cargo Movement :- Cargo movement on National Waterways has witnessed a remarkable increase from 29 MMT in 2014-15 to 218 MMT in 2025-26, with a CAGR of 20.13%. Nearly 85% of this traffic is concentrated on 4 major waterways: NW-1, NW-91, NW-100, and NW-10. ~82% of cargo moved through IWT consists of Coal (18%), Iron ore (15%), Containerized and General cargo (12%), Steam Coal, Lignite & Coke (11%), Minerals & Ores (9%), Building Material (7%) Fly Ash (6%), POL (4%).

Cargo operations are currently operational on 29 National Waterways across India, of which 29 support both cruise and cargo services, while 3 are exclusively for cruise operations.

The top 4 NWs in India, based on cargo handling, are critical to the country’s IWT network, which are mentioned below:

1. NW-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly) is one of the most significant waterways, transporting fly ash, coal, coking coal, fertilizers, and high-speed diesel (HSD), which are vital for agriculture and power generation.
2. NW-91 (Tapi) handles coal, coking coal, fly ash, iron ore fines, and pet coke, supporting energy and metallurgical industries.
3. NW-100 (Shastri River-Jaigad Creek) primarily facilitates the movement of cement, coal, coal fines, coke, iron ore, and steel, serving industrial and construction sectors.
4. NW-10 (Amba) is dedicated to steel cargo and slag, essential for steel manufacturing.

The Jalvahak scheme, also called Cargo Promotion Scheme launched on 15 December 2024, encourages reduction in logistics costs, decongestion of road and railways networks, and adoption of a sustainable mode of transportation. Incentives of up to 35% of the actual operating expenditure incurred on waterway journeys on NW-1,NW-2 and NW-16 via IBP route are provided to cargo owners. Key components of the scheme include providing incentives directly to cargo owners for sustainable modal-shift of cargo from rail/ road to IWT, and funding scheduled services operations by ICSL.

Under the INR 100 crore Jalvahak Scheme, a total of 36 scheduled movements have been successfully completed, accounting for 22.79 million-ton kilometers (MTKM). This marks a significant step towards enhancing inland waterway connectivity and passenger convenience.

2. Strategic Push on NW-1:- A high-level consultation workshop held in Patna on 16 June 2025 led to State Support Agreements with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and formation of a Task Force to identify IWT projects boosting multimodal logistics across key states.
3. Passengers Movement:- India’s inland waterways have experienced a significant rise in passenger traffic in recent years, especially in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa, where ferries are an integral part of daily commuting. Passenger movement has grown from 7.76 crore in 2024 - 25 to 10.5 crore in 2025 -26. The river cruise sector has also witnessed remarkable growth. As of July 2026, 17 river cruise circuits are operational across 13 National Waterways (NWs) spanning 9 states, greatly enhancing connectivity and tourism. The number of NWs designated for river cruises has increased from 3 in 2013 -14 to 13 in 2025-26, reflecting a strong push toward sustainable and experiential travel. Also, as per budget announcements, 18 NWs (out of 20 new NWs) have been identified for operation of cruises/passenger movement in the next 5 years.

Estimated year-wise passenger traffic on inland waterways in India

4. Development at NW-5:- 

   The Hon’ble Finance Minister in her Budget 2026-27 Speech  announced Operationalization of  20 new National Waterways (NWs) over next 5 years, starting with NW-5 in Odisha to connect mineral rich areas of Talcher and Angul and industrial centres like Kalinga Nagar to the Ports of Paradeep and Dhamra. NW‑5 (Brahmani–Kharsua–Dhamra & Mahanadi Delta, 588 km) prioritizes a 332 km Talcher–Paradip/Dhamra stretch with 3.0 m LAD for 2,000 DWT vessels (~300 operational days). It will connect key mineral hubs (Talcher, Angul, Sukinda, Dhenkanal) and enable efficient movement of coal, steel, coking coal, and limestone, improving multimodal logistics. The project includes 3 terminals, Paradip mechanisation, 9 weirs with locks (plus 2 without), dams, bridges, dredging, and 35 barges; ~₹13,086 crore cost, ~17% EIRR, with strong DPR readiness. Traffic potential: 11.3–18.8 MMT (2033–2053); cheaper than rail (₹658 vs ₹1,025/tonne), 5-year implementation (2026–31), SPV-led O&M. PIB proposal for Development of National Waterways - 5 from Talcher to Paradip/Dhamra has been circulated for Inter-Ministerial Consultation on 12.05.2026. During IMC, DoE has suggested to explore the possibility to execute some of the component of the project in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.     Accordingly, a PPP proposal for the development of terminals, weirs, check dams, rubber dams, and other related infrastructure is under preparation. Upon appraisal of the proposal by the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC), the Draft Cabinet Note (DCN) will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat and the PMO for approval.

5. Operational National Waterways:- Currently, 32 National Waterways (NWs) are operational across India, covering a total length of 5,155 km. Furthermore, 6 more NWs are proposed to be operational by March 2026, namely NW-13 (AVM Canal), NW-26 (Chenab River), NW-49 (Jhelum River), NW-51 (Kabini River), NW-84 (Ravi River), and NW-90 (Sharavati River). By 2032, a total of 52 NWs are expected to be operational across the country, significantly enhancing India’s IWT network.

List of Operational NWs

6. Achievements of Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP):- JMVP was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on January 3, 2018, with substantial financial assistance from the World Bank. The cost of the project is INR 5,061 crore.This strategic investment underscores India’s commitment to create a modern, sustainable, and efficient waterway network that boosts trade, connectivity, and economic growth. JMVP project focuses on the development of Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Intermodal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, navigational locks, and fairway development along National Waterway-1 (NW-1), covering 4 states - Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal to enhance IWT infrastructure and connectivity.

Modern infrastructure has been developed to strengthen India’s IWT network. Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs) have been established at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, along with an Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat. A new navigational lock has been constructed at Farakka to facilitate smooth vessel movement. Additionally, 60 community jetties have been commissioned, improving connectivity and supporting local trade and passenger movement.

Key Projects

List of completed and ongoing project status of National Waterways.