{"id":68518,"date":"2026-01-29T10:03:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T13:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/887589686"},"modified":"2026-01-29T10:03:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T13:03:51","slug":"centre-eyes-bigger-role-for-inland-waterways-in-freight-transport-economic-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/centre-eyes-bigger-role-for-inland-waterways-in-freight-transport-economic-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Centre eyes bigger role for inland waterways in freight transport: Economic Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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India plans to expand the role of inland waterways in freight transport by increasing its share from 2 per cent to 5 per cent, said the Economic Survey 2025\u201326 which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday.<\/p>\n

As per the Survey, the Centre has set a target to scale up cargo movement through inland waterways to over 200 million tonnes by 2030 as part of its logistics and transport strategy. <\/p>\n

Notably, inland water transport is being positioned alongside road and rail within the overall freight movement framework.<\/p>\n

According to the Survey, inland water transport is being pursued for bulk cargo movement.<\/p>\n

Besides, the survey pointed out that policy interventions and infrastructure investments have been undertaken over the years to improve the navigability and cargo-handling capacity across key stretches. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, targeted dredging, river training works and deployment of navigation aids have been carried out to support year-round navigability on priority waterways. <\/p>\n

These efforts, the Survey cited, have been directed towards strengthening operational readiness on national waterways.<\/p>\n

Accordingly, these measures have coincided with a rise in cargo volumes moved through inland waterways in recent years. Meanwhile, the number of operational national waterways has increased to 26. <\/p>\n

Apart from infrastructure development, the Centre has focused on improving multimodal integration, connecting inland water terminals with road and rail networks to facilitate cargo movement.<\/p>\n

Moreover, digital systems such as river information systems and vessel traffic management systems are being implemented to support operational processes and safety.<\/p>\n

In addition, initiatives under the Maritime Amrit Kaal vision include measures to promote private sector participation, standardise vessel design, and encourage the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies.<\/p>\n