The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is actively working to operationalise 47 new National Waterways (NWs) by 2027, as part of a larger target to make 76 NWs fully functional. This initiative aims to increase cargo volume to 156 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by the end of FY 2025-26, aligning with the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 mtpa. The IWAI is conducting monthly surveys covering 10,000 km to assess navigability and support this expansion.
The inland water transport network is set to expand from 11 states to 23 states and four union territories by 2027. A Rs 50 billion roadmap has been outlined for developing inland waterways in the Northeast over the next five years, including projects on NW 2 (Brahmaputra) and NW 16 (Barak). Key projects include the construction of four permanent and 13 floating terminals on NW 2, a Rs 2.08 billion ship repair facility at Pandu, and a Rs 1.8 billion alternative road to enhance connectivity.