The length of National Waterways in operation for transportation of cargo and passenger has risen by 70% to 4484.5 km between 2014-15 and 2023-24, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Rajya Sabha.
The length of National Waterways stood at 2641 KM in 2014-15 and rose to 3977.5 Km in 2019-20.
Assam and West Bengal have the maximum length of operational waterways at 1047 KM and 1038.5 KM respectively in 2023-24. From zero operational length in Odisha, Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat in 2014-15, the same in 2023-24 stood at 371 KM, 106 KM, 87 KM and 272 KM respectively, the Minister said.
The government has spent Rs 2987.91 cr. during the last five years for development of National Waterways in various States.
MV Ganga Vilas Cruise has completed 10 trips and 255 tourists have availed the service till end of Season in 2023-24, the Minister informed.
“The mandate of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is to develop and regulate National Waterways (NWs) for shipping & navigation. The infrastructure developed for transportation on NWs by IWAI includes fairway, terminals, jetties, navigation aids etc. are used by cargo movers, cruise operators, etc. IWAI plays the role of an infrastructure provider and facilitator for services required for cruise/river tourism on NWs.”
