Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), chaired a review meeting with senior officials of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to assess the progress of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and ferry services operating across National Waterways and coastal routes.
The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening water-based passenger and cargo transportation and improving the efficiency of multimodal connectivity. Discussions focused on expediting infrastructure development required for Ro-Ro and ferry operations, including terminals and supporting facilities, while addressing operational requirements for seamless movement.
The review also emphasised the need to enhance connectivity between waterways and other modes of transport so that water-based services can contribute more effectively to integrated logistics networks. Improved passenger and cargo movement through waterways is expected to provide additional transport options, particularly on routes where water transport can offer efficient and cost-effective connectivity.
Sustainability was another key focus of the discussions, with emphasis on promoting water transport as a lower-cost and environmentally sustainable alternative for suitable passenger and cargo movements. Strengthening ferry and Ro-Ro networks can help optimise the use of existing waterways while supporting the broader objective of developing efficient and sustainable transport infrastructure.
The review reflects the Ministry’s continued focus on expanding inland and coastal water transport and accelerating the development of supporting infrastructure. Greater integration of Ro-Ro and ferry services with road, rail and other logistics networks is expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods across the country.