The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has achieved two significant milestones in strengthening India’s inland water transport network under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1. The Kalughat Intermodal Terminal in Bihar has been formally handed over to SAPL – Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt. Ltd. for operations and maintenance, marking the start of PPP-based management at the strategically located facility. In parallel, cargo operations have commenced at the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) in West Bengal, operated by IRC Natural Resources Pvt. Ltd., beginning with the first consignment of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) from Tata Steel destined for Pandu, Guwahati in Assam.
These developments together represent a major stride toward enabling sustainable, efficient and professionally managed terminal operations under JMVP, advancing the Government of India’s focus on integrated multimodal connectivity and greener logistics along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. The Kalughat Intermodal Terminal, built with support from the World Bank, has been designed to enhance regional trade and connectivity, with operations now guided by a PPP revenue-sharing model through which IWAI will receive 38.30% of the gross revenue generated. At the downstream end of NW-1, the Haldia MMT has begun its operational journey with a cargo handling capacity of 3.08 MMTPA, further establishing inland waterways as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly logistics corridor linking Eastern India with the North East.
Chairman In-charge of IWAI, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh, highlighted the significance of the transition, noting that handing over the Haldia and Kalughat terminals to PPP operators marks a milestone in optimising operations, improving cargo handling efficiency and ensuring better utilisation of assets. These initiatives, he said, advance the vision of an integrated multimodal logistics network along National Waterway-1 and open new avenues for trade and economic growth.
The operationalisation of cargo movement at Haldia and the PPP-based management at Kalughat reflect IWAI’s continued commitment to operational excellence, long-term sustainability and seamless cargo movement. Together, they represent a crucial step in strengthening India’s inland waterways system and supporting the nation’s long-term goal of a greener, more efficient logistics ecosystem.
