The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is making rapid strides in enhancing the nation’s inland water transport network, with significant activities and breakthroughs reported across multiple National Waterways.
In Assam, officials from IWAI and the Indian Register of Shipping jointly inspected the afloat repair of IWAI’s vessel MPT Khudiram Bose, deployed on the River Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) and currently stationed at Bogibeel. Preparations are also underway for extensive dredging operations along NW-2 at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, to counter the Brahmaputra’s high sediment load, ensuring adequate water depth for smooth cargo movement.
Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) recently reached the Numaligarh jetty on NW-31 (Dhasiri River) safely, further showcasing the efficiency of inland water transportation in the region. Adding to the momentum, trial cargo movement on the Kopili River (NW-57) has marked a significant milestone, making 1,168 km of waterways in Assam operational for cargo transport.
In Bihar, the local administration, including the SDO and SDPO of Danapur, inspected the Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanism (QPOM) for its Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax operations on the Nasriganj–Panapur route along NW-1. The QPOM, especially vital during flood season, doubles as a Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax vessel to maintain connectivity.
Meanwhile, at Pandu in Assam, the Ship Repair Facility being developed by IWAI is taking shape, promising to boost the economic prospects of the North Eastern Region. Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure and capacity.
From vessel repairs and dredging to new cargo routes and infrastructure development, IWAI’s recent initiatives underscore its commitment to transforming India’s inland waterways into a modern, reliable, and sustainable mode of transportation.