India’s First Inland Waterways Development Council commits US$ 5.4 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore) for the development of River Cruise Tourism

The inaugural session of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata, led by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, marked a pivotal moment for India's inland waterways. With key stakeholders and industry leaders in attendance, the meeting focused on bolstering the sector's capacity and viability. A substantial commitment of US$ 5.4 billion (Rs.  45,000 crore) was announced for the development of river cruise tourism, allocating US$ 4.2 billion (Rs. 35,000 crore) for cruise vessels and US$ 1.2 billion (Rs. 10,000 crore) for cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047. Additionally, an investment of US$ 1.8 billion (Rs. 15,200 crore), determined at the Global Maritime India Summit in October 2023, aims to propel inland waterways for cargo trade, projecting a remarkable growth rate exceeding 400%, leading to a volume increase to 500 million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) by 2047.

Mr. Sonowal, in launching the 'Harit Nauka' guidelines and the 'River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047,' underscored India's impressive growth under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The IWDC's mission aligns with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on a modern approach and clear strategy to rejuvenate neglected waterways. The outlined roadmap aims to expand the capacity for River Cruise tourism, increase the number of cruise circuits, and enhance infrastructure, signaling a transformative journey toward sustainable development and economic rejuvenation.

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