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The Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes the development of India's maritime sector as a strategic enabler of trade competitiveness and logistics. One of the major announcements included a ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme aimed at establishing a competitive container manufacturing ecosystem
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During the Parliament's Budget Session, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India's dedication to becoming a global maritime hub. President Droupadi Murmu's address highlighted significant maritime policy reforms and inland waterway expansions, aiming to enhance logistics, trade, and regional economies. The focus includes broadening national
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore in West Bengal to enhance rail connectivity and riverine logistics, marking a significant step towards modernizing the region's transportation network. Initiatives include launching a hybrid electric catamaran for green transport and expanding multimodal logistics through enhanced port
Inland Waterways
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed two significant MoUs worth ₹3,000 crores to boost Assam's inland water transport and industrial logistics. The agreements aim to facilitate the transportation of Methanol and Formalin to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, and to develop an Urban Water Transport
Inland Waterways
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced significant advancements in India's inland waterways, particularly in the Northeast, aimed at enhancing economic opportunities and strengthening petroleum supply chains. The modernization efforts have led to a 767% increase in operational waterways and a 635% rise in cargo volume, facilitating smoother trade
Cruise Tourism
The 'Tourism Avenues - Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism' conference was held in Mumbai, organized by the Mumbai Port Trust and the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The event focused on the potential of cruise tourism in India, featuring discussions on infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and regulatory
Inland Waterways
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has reported that as of July 31, 2025, there are 29 operational National Waterways (NWs) in India. Significant budget allocations have been made for their development, with a total of Rs. 2,521.43 crore allocated over the last three years. Infrastructure improvements
Inland Waterways
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlights the significant growth in cargo movement on National Waterways over the past five years, showcasing Inland Water Transport (IWT) as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The report details the annual cargo movement figures, the socio-economic and environmental benefits of
National Waterways
The cargo movement on National Waterways (NWs) has seen significant growth over the past five years, increasing from 83.61 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25, marking a 74.43% growth. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Inland Waterways Authority of India
Multimodal Transport
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) to enhance the capacity of National Waterway-1 (NW-1) from Varanasi to Haldia, with support from the World Bank. The project includes the development of multimodal terminals, intermodal terminals, navigational locks, and community jetties, significantly increasing
Kopili River
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has operationalised National Waterway-57 (Kopili River) in Assam, marking a significant revival of intra-state cargo transport. The first cargo trial run, carrying 300 MT of cement, was flagged off from Chandrapur to Hatsingimari. This development is seen as a watershed moment for Assam&
Inland Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced significant infrastructure initiatives to enhance inland waterways in Bihar during a consultative workshop in Patna. Key developments include the introduction of a Water Metro, establishment of a Ship Repair Facility, and the creation of 16 new community jetties. A joint task force will explore sustainable