Passenger Traffic increased fivefold in just one year on India’s National Waterways

The latest official figures from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways show a sharp rise in passenger traffic on India’s National Waterways:

Passenger Traffic Trends
- 2023–24: 1.61 crore passengers
- 2024–25: 7.64 crore passengers

That’s nearly a fivefold increase in just one year, reflecting the government’s push to expand inland water transport and river cruise tourism.

Cargo Movement & Revenue (last 5 years)
2020–21- Cargo (million tons): 83.61, Revenue (₹ Lakhs): 1950.05
2021–22- Cargo (million tons): 108.79, Revenue (₹ Lakhs): 1182.34
2022–23- Cargo (million tons): 126.15, Revenue (₹ Lakhs): 1397.04
2023–24- Cargo (million tons): 133.03, Revenue (₹ Lakhs): 1988.29
2024–25- Cargo (million tons): 145.84, Revenue (₹ Lakhs): 2533.90

Key Initiatives Driving Growth
- Jalsamriddhi Portal: Enables private agencies to apply for NOCs to build jetties/terminals, speeding up infrastructure expansion without government funding.
- River Cruise Circuits: 5 circuits identified on the Mahanadi (NW-64) to promote tourism.
- Jalvahak Scheme (2024–27): ₹95.42 crore allocated to subsidize 35% of cargo owners’ operating costs on waterways.
- Scheduled Services: New long-haul routes launched (Kolkata–Patna/Varanasi, Kolkata–Guwahati, Kolkata–Karimganj/Badarpur).
- Safety Framework: Inland Vessels Act, 2021 ensures navigation safety, pollution control, and mandatory river pilots.