Government to expand National Waterways; Inviting private entities to build and operate terminals

To encourage private investment and expand the operational network of National Waterways (NWs) for cargo and passenger traffic, the Government has notified the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 to facilitate the construction and operation of terminals by private entities.

Policy & Incentives
- National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025: Enables private entities to build and operate terminals.
- Jalvahak Scheme: Provides up to 35% incentives to promote cargo movement on inland waterways.
- PPP Models: Long concession periods for private partners to operate and maintain terminals.

Digital Infrastructure
- Jalyan & Navic Portal: A “One Nation One Registration” system for inland vessels and crew.
- 18 States/UTs onboarded.
- 9,953 vessels and 1,215 crew registered (as of July 30, 2026).

Challenges Identified
- Limited industrial zones along NWs.
- Shortage of suitable inland vessels.
- Poor first/last-mile connectivity.
- Inadequate multimodal logistics infrastructure.
- Low awareness among cargo owners/operators about IWT benefits.

Measures Taken (Annexure)
- Development of multi-modal & inter-modal terminals, community jetties, floating terminals, cargo hubs.
- Fairway maintenance: river training, channel marking, hydrographic surveys.
- Expansion of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes for regional cargo movement.
- Passenger & cruise infrastructure to boost tourism.
- Engagement with ministries, states, PSUs, and private stakeholders to shift cargo from road/rail to waterways.
- Development of Multi-Modal Logistic Parks (MMLPs) along NWs.

In essence: the Government is building a driver-friendly ecosystem for inland water transport, combining incentives, private participation, and digital tools, while tackling infrastructure and awareness gaps.