Minister says IWAI has signed MoUs with private groups
Action plan has been formulated for development of 26 viable National Waterways (NWs) based upon the outcome of study reports and development taken up in 20 NWs.
This update was given by the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 19 Dec 2023.
Feasibility Studies (FSs) and subsequent Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been completed on selected NWs, he said.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entered into MoUs with a number of private cargo owners, shippers and e-commerce companies for increasing cargo movement through river systems, Sonowal informed the house.
“IWAI is encouraging the private sector to invest in container vessels through various stakeholders conferences,” he said.
Further, terminals and waterways are developed with a view to handle both bulk and containerized cargo.
Details of MoUs:
Tata Steel Ltd – Operation of barges and O&M of Jetties;
Brahmaputra Crackers & Polymer Ltd for cargo movement;
Numaligarh Refinery for cargo movement;
Rajesh Auto Merchandize, Jimex International & Cambridge Construction for O&M of Terminal at Maia;
Ultra Tech Cement Ltd for cargo movement;
A to Z EXIM for additional cargo movement on NWs till 2030;
Star Cement for additional cargo movement on NW-2 & IBP route;
Yogayatan Ports Pvt Ltd for Cargo Movement;
A to Z EXIM to explore the possibility of transportation of cargo from NW-2 to various destination of NER, Bangladesh and other countries;
IBCCI for Exim cargo.
“To make our river system sustainable and economical mode of transport in the country, 111 waterways (including 5 existing NWs and 106 new) spread over 24 States have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) vide National Waterways Act, 2016 w.e.f. 12 Apr 2016,” he said. fiinews.com
