India accelerates inland waterways push with record cargo growth and expansion plans
- IBEF
- April 28, 2026
India is rapidly strengthening its inland waterways network, transforming rivers, canals and backwaters into a modern, efficient and sustainable transport system. With 111 National Waterways spanning 20,187 kilometres across 23 states and four Union Territories, the country possesses one of the largest such networks globally. As of March 2026, 32 waterways covering over 5,100 kilometres are operational, with plans to expand to 52 waterways in the next five years. The Union Budget 2026-27 has further proposed operationalising 20 additional waterways, highlighting strong policy momentum. Inland waterways are emerging as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to road and rail, consuming up to six times less energy and significantly reducing emissions. A single vessel carrying about 2,000 tonnes can replace nearly 125 trucks, easing traffic and lowering logistics costs.
The sector’s impact is already visible in record cargo and passenger growth. Cargo movement on National Waterways reached 145.84 million metric tonnes in 2024-25 and further surged to 198 million metric tonnes by February 2026. Passenger traffic also rose sharply from 1.61 crore in 2023-24 to 7.6 crore in 2024-25, reflecting improved connectivity and mobility. Looking ahead, the government aims to increase the share of inland waterways from around 2% to 5% by 2030, with cargo volumes projected to exceed 200 million metric tonnes by 2030 and reach 500 million metric tonnes by 2047. Supported by infrastructure projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project and policy initiatives such as the Jalvahak Cargo Promotion Scheme, inland waterways are set to play a crucial role in India’s logistics transformation and sustainable economic growth.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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