In a notable move towards enhancing inland water transportation, the Government of India has declared 111 National Waterways (NWs), including 106 new ones, to facilitate efficient inland navigation.
These National Waterways, spanning 24 states under the National Waterways Act, 2016, aim to bolster connectivity and transportation through water routes.
To expedite development, the government has prepared an action plan, emphasising the most viable NWs, with initial focus on 20 of them, including NW 5 Dharma-Paradip, traversing from Mangalagadi to Pankapal in Odisha, covering a length of 233 km.
Thalweg survey
To monitor waterways effectively, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) conducts a monthly Thalweg survey from Pankapal to Paradip, covering 212 line km for phase-I. This survey aids in identifying the Least Available Depth in the navigation channel, ensuring safe and efficient waterway usage.
Development of NW-5 and NW-64
For the development of NW-5 and NW-64, detailed project reports have been initiated by IWAI. The focus includes the construction of weirs, barrages, and modification of bridges, laying the groundwork for comprehensive infrastructure development.
Raising High-Tension Lines
To facilitate safe navigation clearance for Inland Water Transport (IWT) vessels, the government entrusted the work of raising high-tension lines to the Odisha government. This step ensures the unimpeded passage of vessels, contributing to the seamless operation of inland waterways.
IWAI is actively engaged in the development and operationalisation of NW-5 and NW-64, exploring public-private partnership models. Additionally, the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle dedicated to coal transportation is being considered, demonstrating a commitment to fostering collaboration for efficient cargo movement.
Gypsum Movement
This was a notable achievement in Odisha’s inland water transportation is the commencement of gypsum movement from the IFFCO plant to Paradip Port Authority. Since April 26, 2022, a total of 8,06,053 metric tons of gypsum and 19,99,362 metric tons of other commodities have been successfully transported through NW-5, NW-64, and NW-23 in Odisha. This success underscores the viability and effectiveness of the inland waterways for cargo shipments, showcasing the potential for further expansion and optimisation.
India’s National Waterways
NW 1 encompasses the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System, stretching from Haldia to Allahabad, covering a length of 1620 km and passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Other notable projects include NW 2 along the Brahmaputra River in Assam, NW 5 from Dhamra to Paradip via Mangalagadi to Pankopal in Odisha, NW 16 along the Barak River in Assam, NW 3 covering the West Coast Canal in Kerala, and NW 4 along the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh.
