IWAI Reports Cosmic Cargo Movement: A Journey Through The Waterways

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has reported a remarkable cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes during the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant milestone in their operations. As part of the Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways, this report highlights the growth in national waterways, operational lengthening from approximately 2716 km to 4894 km, while key commodities such as coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash constitute over 68% of total cargo. These insights underscore IWAI’s commitment to advancing their role in the global shipping ecosystem.

The Jalvahak Scheme: A Boost For Cargo Owners

With this cargo movement, IWAI introduced the Jalvahak Scheme, which offers a 35% operating cost incentive for cargo owners and scheduled services on major routes, including NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16. This initiative aims to provide greater efficiency and affordability, reflecting the government’s focus on sustainable development in the shipping sector.

A Shift Towards Sustainability

Looking ahead, IWAI has set ambitious goals: increasing the modal share of freight movement through Inland Waterways Transport from 2% to 5% and targeting traffic volume over 200 million metric tonnes by 2030. Moreover, they aim for over 500 million metric tonnes in traffic by 2047, aligning with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. By prioritizing sustainable transport solutions, IWAI is laying a strong foundation for future growth.

Closing Remarks

In summary, IWAI’s cargo movement in FY2024-25 showcases their dedication to advancing national waterways. The Jalvahak Scheme and strategic goals indicate a clear direction towards innovation and sustainability. As the industry continues to evolve, IWAI remains at the forefront of promoting efficient, sustainable shipping solutions.

Next Steps: Stay tuned for more updates as IWAI delves deeper into their journey ahead.