Kolkata: The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) is poised to make history on January 8, 2023, as key stakeholders gather aboard the MV Ganga Queen in Kolkata for a pivotal meeting convened by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). The day-long event, led by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and AYUSH, is expected to bring together luminaries from waterway states, central government, and esteemed domain experts.
Pioneering Initiatives and Memorandums of Understanding
Minister Sonowal is set to unveil revolutionary initiatives during the meeting, including the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047.” These initiatives underscore the commitment to sustainability and innovation within the inland waterways sector. Additionally, the event anticipates the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), fostering collaboration for the advancement of inland waterways and associated sectors.
A Comprehensive Agenda for Progress
The IWDC meeting features a comprehensive agenda, covering crucial aspects of inland waterways development in India. Sessions will delve into fairway development, private sector engagement, cargo transport efficiency optimization in Inland Water Transport (IWT), promotion of eco-friendly vessels, economic advantages of river cruise tourism, and sustainable practices. These discussions align with the ministry’s bold objective to elevate the modal share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from 2% to 5%, in line with Maritime India Vision 2030.
Sagarmala’s Impact on West Bengal
The state of West Bengal, under the Sagarmala Programme, is actively driving maritime development with 62 projects valued at Rs. 16,300 Crores. Completed initiatives, such as road connectivity improvements and the EJC yard track upgrade at Kolkata Port, have enhanced safety and efficiency. Ongoing projects, partly funded by MoPSW, are progressing well, with notable achievements in road connectivity and upcoming initiatives like the Centre for Inland and Coastal Maritime Technology at IIT Kharagpur and anti-erosion work on the river Hooghly/Bhagirathi.
Government’s Commitment to Inland Waterways
The establishment of the Inland Waterways Development Council in October 2023 reflects the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of inland waterways and the associated Inland Water Transport (IWT) ecosystem. Active participation from states and union territories underscores a collective effort towards realizing the ambitious goals outlined in Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The inaugural meeting in Kolkata marks a significant milestone, propelling India’s inland water highways into a new era of progress and sustainability.
