Inland Waterways Development Council’s Inaugural Meeting to Shape India’s Inland Water Transportation Future

New Delhi: The Inland Waterways Authority of India, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), is gearing up to host its inaugural ‘Inland Waterways Development Council’ (IWDC) meeting on January 8 in Kolkata. Chaired by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, the day-long meeting aboard the MV Ganga Queen is expected to be a pivotal gathering, bringing together key stakeholders from waterway states, central government, and experts in the field.

The meeting will witness the presence of prominent figures, including Shri Shripad Naik and Shri Shantanu Thakur, Ministers of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, along with Ministers from various State Governments, their Principle Secretaries/Secretaries, and senior officers from the Central Government. The event is poised to foster collaboration and chart the course for the future of inland waterways development in India.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, during the meeting, is set to unveil groundbreaking initiatives, notably the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047.” These initiatives are expected to pave the way for sustainable practices and advancements in inland water transportation.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are anticipated to be signed during the event, marking collaborative efforts to propel the inland waterways and associated sectors to new heights.

The IWDC meeting will delve into crucial sessions, addressing key issues in the development of inland waterways, including fairway development, private sector engagement, cargo transport efficiency in Inland Water Transport (IWT), eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation, and the economic advantages of river cruise tourism.