The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) 3.0 has identified projects worth ₹1,515 crore aimed at enhancing cargo and cruise movement, improving navigability, strengthening passenger and vehicular transport, expanding cruise tourism, and supporting regional logistics and connectivity across India.
The projects were identified during the third meeting of the council held on 23 January 2026 in Kochi, Kerala.
According to a written reply by the government in the Lok Sabha, the initiatives have been planned in consultation with respective State Governments and stakeholders through various forums, including the IWDC.
The council has structured the investments across foundation infrastructure, asset procurement, and new announcements spanning multiple National Waterways.
Under foundation infrastructure, River Cruise Jetties worth ₹51 crore will be developed across National Waterways 3, 4, 100, 14, 64, 51 and 90 covering Kerala, Gujarat, Odisha and Telangana, with expected completion by October 2026.
A Ro-Ro/Cargo Terminal valued at ₹19 crore is planned at Muktyala and Harishchandrapuram in Andhra Pradesh on National Waterway 4, targeted for completion between October 2026 and March 2027.
Additionally, onshore facilities worth ₹80 crore will be created on National Waterway 49 in Jammu and Kashmir, expected by March 2027.
These projects together account for ₹150 crore.
Asset procurement projects total ₹465 crore and focus on strengthening operational capability across waterways.
A survey vessel worth ₹3.15 crore will be deployed on National Waterway 3 in Kerala by December 2026.
Four Ro-Pax jetties costing ₹10.10 crore will be built across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, with completion scheduled for April 2026.
Further, 20 pontoons valued at ₹55.10 crore are planned for Bihar and West Bengal by September 2026, while eight quick pontoon opening mechanisms worth ₹80.61 crore will be deployed across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by August 2027.
Four hybrid survey vessels costing ₹41.51 crore are scheduled for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal by February 2027.
The procurement plan also includes eight amphibian dredgers worth ₹81 crore, four cutter suction dredgers valued at ₹130.99 crore, and three sets of tug-barge units costing ₹62.54 crore across the same states, with completion timelines extending up to April 2028.
According to the government, announcements amounting to ₹900 crore further expand the inland waterways ecosystem.
A slipway facility worth ₹50 crore will be established in Kochi on National Waterway 3 by December 2027.
An approach road project valued at ₹144 crore is planned at Bogibeel in Assam on National Waterway 2, with completion expected by March 2028.
The council has also proposed development of 110 jetties worth ₹496 crore across National Waterways 5, 22, 64 and waterways in the North Eastern Region, covering Odisha and North Eastern States, with completion targeted by April 2028.
A cruise terminal worth ₹70 crore will come up at Uzzan Bazar in Assam, while 10 hybrid electric vessels valued at ₹76 crore will be deployed on National Waterway 49 in Jammu and Kashmir by December 2026.
In Maharashtra, a National River Traffic and Navigation System worth ₹64 crore is planned on National Waterway 28, with completion expected by March 2027.
The government stated that the projects are being or will be implemented through time-bound action plans with clear milestones.
Execution is monitored through regular reviews by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, alongside coordination with state governments and other stakeholders.
Environmental sustainability is being ensured through impact assessments, statutory clearances, adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, and continuous compliance monitoring.
Collectively, the projects are expected to accelerate cargo and passenger movement, improve terminal operations, strengthen tourism networks, and enhance logistics efficiency across India’s inland waterways.
