₹12,200-Crore MoU Inked to Develop National Waterways–5 & 64 in Odisha

Mumbai: To boost inland water transport and regional economic growth, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today during India Maritime 2025 in Mumbai among the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Government of Odisha, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for the development and operationalisation of National Waterways–5 (NW–5) and National Waterways–64 (NW–64).

The ₹12,200-crore project aims to transform Odisha’s riverine ecosystem into a key trade corridor, enabling the seamless transport of coal and other bulk cargo from Talcher coalfields to Paradip and Dhamra ports through inland waterways. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs, decongest the state’s road and rail networks, and promote environment-friendly freight movement, aligning with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

To execute the project, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Inland Waterways Consortium of Odisha Limited (IWCOL) will be established. Under the agreement, IWAI will lead the preparation of project proposals, secure statutory clearances, and develop essential infrastructure such as terminals, barrages, and navigation systems. The Government of Odisha will provide encumbrance-free land and administrative support, while MCL will ensure consistent cargo movement and connectivity from coal mines. The Paradip Port Authority will facilitate cargo handling operations and promote a modal shift to inland waterways.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shantanu Thakur. On behalf of the Government of Odisha, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, signed the agreement.