India’s Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways In FY 2024–25

India has achieved a significant milestone in its inland water transport (IWT) sector by recording 145.5 million tonnes (MMT) of cargo movement during the fiscal year 2024–25. This marks a dramatic rise from just 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14, driven by massive infrastructure development, policy reforms, and technological innovations. The country has also expanded its National Waterways from 5 to 111 and increased the operational length to nearly 4,900 km, reflecting a strong commitment to multimodal logistics and sustainable development.

Key Highlights and Developments

Record Cargo Traffic

• 145.5 MMT cargo moved in FY 2024–25, up from 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14
• CAGR of 20.86% over the last decade
• 9.34% YoY growth from FY 2023–24
• Top 5 commodities: Coal, Iron Ore, Iron Ore Fines, Sand, and Fly Ash (68% of total cargo)

Expansion of National Waterways

• NWs increased from 5 (2014) to 111 (under NW Act, 2016)
• Operational length grew from 2,716 km to 4,894 km
• 29 National Waterways currently operational

Infrastructure Development

• Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), floating and community jetties
• Advanced fairway maintenance and navigational support
• Examples: MMTs at Varanasi, Haldia, Pandu, Jogighopa; terminals at Dhubri, Bogibeel
• Digital and Green Technologies
• Tools like LADIS, RIS, PANI, MIRS to boost operational efficiency
• Adoption of green vessels: Hybrid Electric Catamarans, Hydrogen-fueled boats

Passenger Movement

• 1.61 crore passenger movement recorded in 2023–24

Policy Measures to Boost IWT

Jalvahak Scheme

• Launched in Dec 2024; ₹95.42 crore outlay
• 35% reimbursement on operating cost for shifting cargo to waterways
• Scheduled services on key routes (NW-1, NW-2, NW-16)

Tonnage Tax Extension

• Extended to inland vessels from Feb 2025
• Taxation based on tonnage, not profit — more predictable and lower tax burden

Regulatory Framework for Private Investment

• New regulations notified in 2025 for private jetties/terminals

Port Integration

• MMTs and IMTs transferred to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata

Digitisation

• Centralised vessel and crew registration portal (like Vahan/Sarathi)

Cargo Aggregation Hubs

• Freight Village at Varanasi
• Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj

Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route

• Trial on Routes 5 & 6 between Maia and Sultanganj successful

PSU Engagement

• Over 140 PSUs engaged to shift cargo to IWT
• Ministries like Petroleum, Coal, Fertiliser, Steel involved