Government to develop 23 river systems

The MoPSW has announced that the government will develop 23 river systems for cargo and passenger vessel movement, aiming for greater use of inland waterways as a cheaper mode of transport. To promote inland water transport in the country, 111 waterways have been declared as na­tional waterways under the National Waterways Act. As per reports, India is aiming for an investment of Rs 350 billion by 2047 to create a network of waterways in the country. The plan, to be implemented over the next 25 years, will include the development of waterways and jetties to improve the navigable capacity of Indian rivers.