In a significant move to boost inland waterways transport in Andhra Pradesh, Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the development of six floating steel jetties on the Godavari river (national waterway-4) at
Gandipochamma temple, Pochavaram, and Perantapalli village.
A feasibility study for the Penna river (national waterway-79) was also unveiled, alongside a detailed project report (DPR) for national waterway-4 to further inform development plans. For Telangana, announcements were made for setting up three floating jetties on river Krishna at Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar and Nagarjuna Konda.
The announcements were made at the second meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), the premier body for policy discussions on the promotion of inland waterways in India. The event, organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, saw major commitments aimed at expanding infrastructure along national waterways . Sonowal, who presided over the meeting, disclosed investments of over 50,000 crore in the next five years to enhance the inland waterways sector.
During his address, Sonowal explained the historic role of inland waterways in civilisation and highlighted their potential for reducing congestion on railways and roadways while offering an efficient, sustainable mode of transport.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are revitalising inland waterways to make them a viable economic and environmental option for both cargo and passenger transport. About 1,000 green vessels are planned as part of the ongoing push to make inland waterways more eco-friendly,” said the Union minister.