India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has recently announced a ₹45,000 crore investment to boost river cruise tourism and economic growth in its inland waterways. The decision was taken at the inaugural Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kolkata, which aims to transform India's inland waterways into dynamic commercial channels.
A meeting chaired by Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, brought together state ministers and industry leaders to discuss ways to improve the viability of inland waterways. Sonowal emphasised the IWDC's goal of achieving sustainable development for Atmanirbhar Bharat by the end of Amrit Kaal.
The plan involves expanding river cruise tourism from eight to 26 waterways and increasing cruise circuits with overnight stays from 17 to 80. It is also expected that the number of river cruise terminals would increase from 15 to 185, with a significant increase in cruise tourism traffic by 2047.
Last year in October, the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) in Mumbai agreed on a ₹15,200 crore investment to improve inland waterways for cargo trade. This investment is expected to drive a growth rate of more than 400%, with volumes reaching 500 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2047. Additionally, Sonowal introduced the 'Harit Nauka' guidelines and 'River Cruise Tourism Road Map', 2047' at the IWDC. The road map outlines over 30 potential cruise routes, as well as a river cruise development action plan.
The initiative of the government which aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aims to increase the modal share of inland waterway transport (IWT) from 2% to 5% and increase IWT cargo volume to more than 500 MTPA. The other notable projects include the Jal Marg Vikas project for the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, as well as multimodal terminals in Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia.
The government is also promoting alternative propulsion fuels for ships, with eight electric catamaran vessels already in service for pilgrimage tourism. IWT, which covers 24 states and has 111 National Waterways, is set to transform logistics and passenger movement in India. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 includes 46 initiatives to advance IWT, with an established focus on port-based agglomeration centres, coastal berths, and improving connectivity. The vision aims to use India's 7,500-kilometer coastline and inland waterways to promote inclusive growth and employment.
(With inputs from agencies)
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