The government is set to make a renewed push to promote coastal shipping and inland waterways as part of its broader strategy to reduce logistics costs, ease pressure on road and rail networks, and promote greener modes of transport.
Officials said a fresh policy and incentive framework is being worked out to address long-standing bottlenecks that have limited wider adoption of water-based transport, despite India’s extensive coastline and vast inland waterway network. The move aligns with the government’s goal of improving logistics efficiency and cutting carbon emissions across the supply chain.
The renewed effort is expected to focus on simplifying regulations, improving last-mile connectivity, enhancing port and terminal infrastructure, and encouraging private sector participation. Measures may also include financial incentives, cargo aggregation support, and better coordination between central ministries, state governments and port authorities.
Coastal shipping and inland waterways are seen as cost-effective alternatives for moving bulk cargo such as coal, cement, steel, fertilizers and agricultural produce. However, industry stakeholders have flagged challenges including limited cargo availability, operational delays, and inadequate multimodal links.
The government has been promoting waterways under flagship programmes such as Sagarmala and Jal Marg Vikas, but officials acknowledge that utilisation remains below potential. The fresh push aims to translate infrastructure investments into higher cargo movement volumes and sustained commercial viability.
Industry players have welcomed the renewed focus, saying consistent policy support and operational reforms could significantly increase the modal share of water transport in India’s logistics mix over the medium term.
