India plans to expand the role of inland waterways in freight transport by increasing its share from 2 per cent to 5 per cent, said the Economic Survey 2025–26 which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday.
As per the Survey, the Centre has set a target to scale up cargo movement through inland waterways to over 200 million tonnes by 2030 as part of its logistics and transport strategy.
Notably, inland water transport is being positioned alongside road and rail within the overall freight movement framework.
According to the Survey, inland water transport is being pursued for bulk cargo movement.
Besides, the survey pointed out that policy interventions and infrastructure investments have been undertaken over the years to improve the navigability and cargo-handling capacity across key stretches.
Furthermore, targeted dredging, river training works and deployment of navigation aids have been carried out to support year-round navigability on priority waterways.
These efforts, the Survey cited, have been directed towards strengthening operational readiness on national waterways.
Accordingly, these measures have coincided with a rise in cargo volumes moved through inland waterways in recent years. Meanwhile, the number of operational national waterways has increased to 26.
Apart from infrastructure development, the Centre has focused on improving multimodal integration, connecting inland water terminals with road and rail networks to facilitate cargo movement.
Moreover, digital systems such as river information systems and vessel traffic management systems are being implemented to support operational processes and safety.
In addition, initiatives under the Maritime Amrit Kaal vision include measures to promote private sector participation, standardise vessel design, and encourage the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies.
Published on January 29, 2026
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