Inland Waterways Development in India/ Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC)

Context

• Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), initiated in October 2023, aims to enhance Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India.
• Chaired by the Union Minister for Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, with participation from State Governments/UTs.

Objectives of IWDC

1. Boost cargo, passenger movement, and river cruise tourism in India.
2. Enable inland waterways as conduits for economic growth and commerce.

Major Outcomes of IWDC Meeting

1. Harit Nauka Guidelines: Introduced for the Green Transition of Inland Vessels.
2. Commitment of Rs 45,000 crore: Made for the development of River Cruise Tourism.
3. River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047 launched.
4. An investment of ₹15,200 crore for cargo trade to achieve a volume of 500 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) by 2047.
5. An estimated ₹35,000 crore for cruise vessels and ₹10,000 crore for cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047.

Inland Water Transportation (IWT)

1. Provides an opportunity to promote the use of electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and derivative propulsion fuels.
2. Deployed eight electric catamaran vessels strategically for pilgrimage tourism.

Significance of Inland Water Transport (IWT)

1. Transforming Logistics: Offers low costs, greater fuel efficiency, etc.
2. Decongesting Road-Rail Transport: Provides an effective alternative mode of transportation.
3. Regional Connectivity: Plays a crucial role in connecting the north-eastern states to the rest of India.
4. Cargo Handling: IWT handles around 55 million tons of cargo annually, providing a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation mode.

Initiatives for Inland Water Transport

1. Jal Marg Vikas Project: Focuses on the development of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (NW 1), emphasizing cargo and passenger ferry.
2. National Waterways (NWs): Out of 111 notified NWs, 23 are operational, facilitating shipping and navigation.
3. Maritime India Vision 2030: Aims to increase the modal share of IWT from 2% to 5%.
4. Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Represents India's development potential in its coastline, inland waterways, and coastal districts.

1. Identifies 46 initiatives for IWT development, including port-based agglomeration centers and coastal berths.
2. Aims for a cross-sectoral multiplier effect on inclusive growth and employment.
3. Key Initiatives for Modal Share Enhancement:

1. Creation of port-based agglomeration centers.
2. Creation of coastal berths near coast-based production/demand centers.
3. Road/Rail/IWT connectivity/expansion projects.

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