In a major boost to inland water transport infrastructure, the Union Government has unveiled a ₹1,500-crore development package for Kerala at the third Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) meeting held on January 23, 2026 in Kochi. The announcement came from Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who highlighted the state’s strategic importance in India’s waterways network and emphasized efforts to make water transport a viable, efficient and eco-friendly alternative to road and rail logistics.
Under the new package, the Jal Vahak cargo promotion scheme will be extended to Kerala’s National Waterways, offering rebates of up to 35 % on operating costs for operators transporting cargo more than 200 km via waterways. This financial incentive aims to attract private participation and encourage a shift of freight traffic from land to rivers, improving commercial viability and reducing logistics expenses.
The package also includes the development of river cruise jetties and the induction of a dedicated survey vessel, both expected to strengthen passenger services, navigation safety and tourism along Kerala’s waterways. Additionally, Fixed-Day Scheduled Sailing Services will launch on commercially viable routes, demonstrating the readiness of Kerala’s inland waterways as dependable freight corridors.
Officials also revealed plans for slipway facilities in Kochi to support vessel maintenance and repairs. These investments align with an ongoing expansion of infrastructure across India’s inland waterways, with the total approved projects under IWDC 3.0 exceeding ₹1,500 crore and including initiatives to enhance green logistics, digital systems, and river cruise tourism nationwide.
Cargo traffic on national waterways has seen remarkable growth—from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to nearly 146 million tonnes in 2024-25—highlighting the increasing role of inland waterways in India’s freight and transport ecosystem.
News as reported
