Sonowal Outlines Major Initiatives for Enhancing India's Inland Waterways and Coastal Infrastructure

Shri Sonowal highlighted several key initiatives, including significant fairway development projects under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), supported by the World Bank.

In today's Rajya Sabha session, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal provided a comprehensive update on the government's ongoing efforts to boost cargo movement and improve the efficiency of India's inland waterways.

Shri Sonowal highlighted several key initiatives, including significant fairway development projects under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), supported by the World Bank. These projects aim to achieve a Least Available Depth (LAD) of up to 3.0 meters on critical stretches of National Waterway-1 (NW-1), with ongoing works in areas such as Haldia-Barh and Barh-Ghazipur. Additionally, development efforts are being made on NW-97 in the Sunderbans and Indo-Bangladesh protocol routes to ensure year-round navigability.

The Minister also announced the introduction and expansion of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax services across multiple routes, and the identification of 26 new National Waterways to enhance connectivity and offer alternative transportation modes throughout India.

Digital advancements have been a focal point, with the launch of the CAR-D portal for cargo data management and the PANI portal for asset and navigation information. These platforms aim to improve stakeholder collaboration, organizational consistency, and transparency.

Recent Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to advance cargo and cruise services. Notable agreements include partnerships with Assam Tourism for riverine tourism, Bihar's Department of Tourism for Ro-Pax vessel operations, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited for petroleum transport. The government is also exploring new National Waterways projects in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh as part of a broader strategy to strengthen inland water transport infrastructure.

Shri Sonowal also detailed investments and initiatives under the Sagarmala Scheme for Tamil Nadu. Over the past three years, 22 port-related projects totaling Rs. 1,225 crore have been sanctioned, covering infrastructure, coastal berths, and fish harbours. An additional Rs. 410 crore is allocated for four fishing harbour projects, focusing on skill development and economic growth in coastal districts through collaboration with various ministries.

The Minister confirmed that the government is exploring the expansion of floating jetty projects in Tamil Nadu to enhance coastal infrastructure and connectivity.

Significant developments were also outlined regarding port expansion and upgradation, including V.O. Chidambaram Port's lease of 500.82 acres for Green Hydrogen and ammonia plant development, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy and industrial growth.

Overall, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal's presentation underscores the government's dedication to advancing maritime facilities and strengthening India's maritime and inland waterway infrastructure.