India, Aug. 5 -- 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......

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.