New Delhi: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), announced major investments to accelerate the development of Uttar Pradesh’s inland waterways network during India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW). The authority inked MoUs worth more than ₹6,000 crore for the expansion of the Inland Waterways network on National Waterway-1 (Ganga), marking one of the largest investment pushes in India’s river transport sector.
The agreements span river cruise tourism, ship repair facilities, multimodal logistics, skill development and clean-energy river transport—aiming to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading inland waterways and maritime services hub.
Big Boost for Cruise Tourism and Infrastructure
A significant portion of the investments will strengthen cruise tourism along the Ganga. IWAI signed MoUs with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. and Alaknanda Cruises to develop new cruise vessels and expand premium river tourism in Varanasi and other Ganga corridor destinations. More than ₹800 crore has been committed for cruise tourism expansion.
To support this growth, the authority announced plans for two new river cruise terminals in Varanasi, with an investment of ₹200 crore, aimed at enhancing passenger amenities and improving operational capacity.
Ship Repair Facility, Multimodal Connectivity
In partnership with the Uttar Pradesh government, IWAI will develop a ₹350 crore ship repair facility in Varanasi, expected to make the city a regional maritime services hub by providing essential repair and maintenance infrastructure for vessels operating on NW-1.
To further integrate river transport with other logistics networks, IWAI has signed an MoU with IPRCL for preparing DPR and PMC services to establish rail connectivity for Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia—a project valued at ₹1,500 crore under PM Gati Shakti.
Green Mobility and Skill Development
Supporting India’s National Green Shipping Mission, Uttar Pradesh approved a ₹100 crore project to establish electric charging infrastructure for vessels, boosting low-emission, clean-energy river mobility.
Additionally, a ₹200 crore Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) will be set up in Varanasi to focus on skill development, research, vessel design innovation and training in green technologies for inland water transport.
Cargo Capacity Expansion
A landmark ₹1,000 crore MoU with Rhenus Logistics will facilitate induction of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, significantly enhancing cargo movement and multimodal logistics efficiency.
Meanwhile, IWAI and NTCPWC of IIT Madras signed a ₹1,500 crore agreement for dredging supervision on NW-1, crucial for maintaining navigation depth and ensuring seamless cargo and passenger movement.
Leaders Highlight Vision for Future-Ready Waterways
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the MoUs as a transformative step in modernising India’s river systems.
“These agreements demonstrate how inland waterways are emerging as engines of growth, tourism and regional integration,” he said, adding that the initiatives align with India’s goal of becoming a global maritime hub by 2047.
Minister of State Shantanu Thakur said the partnerships will strengthen electric vessel infrastructure, ship repair capacity and training ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh, helping revive river-based connectivity and economic opportunities.
MoPSW Secretary Vijay Kumar emphasized the role of innovation and sustainability in shaping a resilient maritime economy, while IWAI Chairman (I/C) Sunil Kumar Singh said the collaborations would significantly accelerate the development of the inland water transport ecosystem in the state.
UP Poised to Become Inland Waterways Powerhouse
With the expansion of NW-1 operations and large-scale investment commitments, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in India’s multimodal logistics and river tourism network. The developments complement national maritime programs including Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, reinforcing India’s long-term roadmap for a modern, sustainable and future-ready waterways infrastructure.
