The central government announced the investment of more than Rs 60 billion in the past decade for the revival of inland waterways as a viable alternative for cargo movement as well as improving passenger connectivity.
India boasts an extensive network of inland waterways comprising rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Of the total navigable length of 20,236 km, 17,980 km consists of rivers and 2,256 km comprised of canals, both suitable for mechanised craft. India has set a target of reaching 200 million metric tonnes of cargo movement via waterways by 2030.