India’s inland waterways sector is set to receive a significant boost with an investment of ₹1,500 crore aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving cargo handling capacity and promoting inland water transport as a cost-effective logistics alternative.
The investment will be used for developing terminals, enhancing navigational infrastructure , deploying modern vessels and improving last-mile connectivity along key national waterways. Officials said the push is intended to increase the share of inland waterways in the country’s freight movement while easing pressure on road and rail networks.
The funding is expected to support smoother movement of bulk cargo such as coal, cement , fertilisers and agricultural produce, while also encouraging the use of waterways for containerised cargo. Improved infrastructure is likely to reduce logistics costs, cut emissions and boost efficiency for shippers.
The move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote multimodal logistics and sustainable transport. Industry stakeholders believe the investment will help accelerate private participation, create jobs and unlock the long-term potential of inland waterways in India’s logistics ecosystem.