THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19, 2026

In a significant push to strengthen multimodal logistics and reduce freight costs, the government has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to operationalise a series of new National Waterways over the next five years, signalling a renewed focus on inland water transport as a key driver of economic efficiency and regional connectivity.

The plan, outlined by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, details a phased rollout of waterways spanning diverse geographies—from the Himalayan river systems in the north to peninsular and coastal networks in the south and east.

In the financial year 2026–27, six waterways are slated for operationalisation, including stretches along the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Kabini, Sharavati, and Baitarni rivers, covering over 300 km. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity in strategically important regions while opening up new cargo movement corridors.

The momentum is set to accelerate between 2027 and 2030, with a much larger basket of waterways — ranging from the Chapora and Sal rivers in the west to the Subarnrekha and Brahmani-linked systems in the east — planned for development. Notably, the ambitious extension of National Waterway-4 along a 636-km stretch of the Krishna River stands out as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting cargo transport across southern India.

Additional projects such as the Birupa–Badi–Genguti–Brahmani system and the Budha Balanga river are expected to strengthen Odisha’s inland water transport ecosystem.

The final phase in 2030–31 will see the operationalisation of National Waterway-5, spanning 332 km across the Brahmani-Kharsua-Dhamra river system, a move poised to significantly enhance industrial logistics, particularly for mineral-rich eastern regions.

The government’s phased approach underscores its strategy to build resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transport networks. By leveraging inland waterways, India aims to decongest road and rail infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a competitive edge to industries reliant on bulk cargo movement.