Development of National Waterways to Promote Economic Growth and Socio-Economic Benefits

Strategic Insights -

The Indian government is developing the National Waterways project to improve transportation efficiency and promote economic growth in regions along the river Ganga. This project, led by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aims to benefit local communities, farmers, and fishermen by constructing 60 community jetties and floating jetties/terminals along National Waterways across the country. Additionally, eight hybrid electric catamarans are being constructed, with the first hydrogen fuelled vessel already deployed at Varanasi.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Waterways project aims to improve transportation efficiency and promote economic growth in regions along the river Ganga.
  • The project involves the construction of 60 community jetties and floating jetties/terminals along National Waterways across the country.
  • IWAI has placed an order with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of eight hybrid electric catamarans.
  • A hydrogen fuelled vessel constructed by CSL has been handed over to IWAI and deployed at Varanasi.
  • The development of Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector has the potential to create job opportunities and promote skill development in various areas.
  • River cruise tourism, vessel design/operations, terminal construction and operation, maintenance dredging, fairway development, navigation aids, river engineering, hydrology, etc. are some of the areas that will benefit from the IWT sector.
  • The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has shared information about the project in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Statistics:

  • 60 community jetties are being constructed along the river Ganga.
  • 8 hybrid electric catamarans are being constructed for the IWT sector.
  • 1 hydrogen fuelled vessel has been handed over and deployed at Varanasi.
  • The IWT sector has the potential to create job opportunities and promote skill development in various areas.
  • The Indian government is investing in the development of National Waterways to improve transportation efficiency and promote economic growth.

Sources:

  • "Press Information Bureau" - Government of India
  • Written reply to the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal