The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has achieved a remarkable milestone with record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes on National Waterways during the fiscal year 2024-25. This achievement represents a new pinnacle in India’s inland waterway transport (IWT) sector and signifies exponential growth in the volume of cargo transported.
Cargo traffic on National Waterways has experienced unprecedented expansion, increasing from just 18.1 million tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 145.5 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.86% over the past decade. In the most recent fiscal year, cargo volumes registered an impressive year-on-year growth of 9.34% compared to FY 2023-24.
A total of 29 National Waterways are now operational, an increase from 24 during the previous fiscal year. The growth trajectory is expected to continue as the IWAI pursues its ambitious targets under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Agenda 2047, aiming to achieve 500 million tonnes of cargo movement by FY 2047.
Coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash were the dominant commodities moved on National Waterways during FY 2024-25, constituting over 68% of the total cargo volume. Coal alone accounted for 27%, followed by iron ore fines at 18%, sand at 8%, fly ash at 6%, and iron ore at 9%. Additionally, materials such as limestone, cement, and clinker contributed significantly to the remaining cargo movement.
A range of strategic measures and initiatives undertaken by IWAI have driven the dramatic growth in cargo movement. Key among these is the Jalvahak Scheme, launched in December 2024, which incentivizes cargo owners and movers to shift from road and rail to IWT by reimbursing up to 35% of the actual operating expenditure for waterways journeys. This scheme has already facilitated scheduled cargo services on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16 through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, with an anticipated modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometers of cargo to inland waterways.
To further support the IWT ecosystem, the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, have simplified the process for private, public, and joint venture entities to develop infrastructure on waterways. A user-friendly digital portal enables entities to obtain no-objection certificates for setting up jetties and terminals, promoting private sector participation in IWT.
Infrastructure development has been a critical enabler of cargo movement. Fairway development works ensure minimum available depth for smooth navigation, while end-to-end dredging contracts have been implemented on several stretches. Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and Roll-on/Passenger (Ro-Pax) services have been introduced to streamline cargo and passenger movement, reducing costs and transit times. Digital solutions like the CAR-D portal, PANI portal, and centralized databases for vessel and crew registration (Jalyaan and Navic) have enhanced operational efficiency, while the Naudarshika National River Traffic and Navigational System ensures safety and seamless operations for inland vessels.
With robust leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the stewardship of Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI continues to expand its footprint across the nation. Capacity augmentation of National Waterways 1, 2, 3, and 16 remains a priority, alongside the ongoing development of night navigation facilities, navigational locks, and IWT terminals.
This historic achievement in cargo movement underscores the transformative impact of IWAI’s policies and infrastructure advancements, cementing inland waterways as a preferred mode of transportation for the future. The success of FY 2024-25 highlights the continued commitment to promoting sustainable, efficient, and reliable waterways in India.
