National Waterways 2025: A Game-Changer for India's Inland Water Transport

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has introduced the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 to revolutionize India's Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector. These regulations promote private sector participation, streamline approvals, and enhance logistics efficiency. By integrating digital processes and encouraging investment, the initiative aims to boost cargo movement, reduce costs, and strengthen national waterways as a key transport mode. This step aligns with India's vision of modernized, sustainable, and competitive water-based trade and transport infrastructure.

Key Features of the Regulations

Enabling Private Sector Participation

• Private, public along with joint ventures have the authority to create jetties and terminals throughout national waterways.

• New and existing terminal development requires a No Objection Certificate issued by IWAI from investors.

• Permanent jetties maintain indefinite operation while temporary jetties receive a five-year initialize term which the authorities can extend upon request.

• New terminal designs will be managed by developers alongside construction activities to meet their organization's business objectives.

Digital Portal for Seamless Operations

• IWAI establishes an online portal system that enhances terminal application processing ease.

• The digital initiative helps fulfill government plans for Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and digital transformation of operations.

• Through this platform applicants can submit their requests while viewing approval status along with gaining transparency.

boost economic expansion and build national infrastructure.

• The total national waterway freight volume has grown dramatically from 18 million tons in 2023-24 to surpass 133 million tons in 2023-24.

• The Jalvahak scheme as an initiative aims to boost waterway transportation by 17% thus accelerating national growth rates.

• Private industry participation will construct better infrastructure and lower operational expenses together with enhanced supply chain capabilities.

Conclusion

Through the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 India will advance both investment potential and inland waterways development. These regulations position the IWT sector to become an economic growth catalyst because of their public-private investment strategies combined with digital governance systems which enhance cost-effective cargo transportation. Persistent work will ultimately transform inland waterways into a sustainable and efficient and competitive transportation method within India's logistics sphere.