India: IWAI Undertakes Inland Waterways Feasibility Studies

The following Feasibility Studies have been undertaken by Inland waterways authority of India (IWAI) in last few years for developing them as waterways apart from those existing as National Waterways now.

1. River Barak in Assam: Lakhipur-Bhanga stretch (121 km) of the waterway has been found viable for development. A proposal for its declaration as National Waterway (NW) is under process.

2. Mandovi, Zuari Rivers and Cumberjua canal in Goa: Till recently substantial inland water transport had been taking place on these waterways. For their further upgradation, a Techno Economic Feasibility (TEF) study has been undertaken which recommended some developmental works. However, the Government of Goa has not given concurrence for its declaration as National Waterway (NW).

3. Decongestion of Mumbai city through coastal shipping and IWT modes: The study recommended some developmental works along the coast. Report was sent to Government of Maharashtra for taking further necessary action.

4. Extension of NW-3 towards south of Kollam up to Kovalam and north of Kottapuram upto Kasaragod in Kerala: The study brought out various technical difficulties in the development of this waterway. The consultant has been advised to revise the report on a realistic basis and suggest suitable development plans and implementation mechanism.

5. Identification of potential waterways in the North East: 22 rivers in the 7 North Eastern States were found viable for IWT operation on small scale. The report was sent to North Eastern states. They were advised to take up preparation of detail project reports and subsequently their development, under the Central Sector Scheme for Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) development in the region.

This information was given by Shri Milind Deora, the minister of state for Shipping, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Press Release, February 20, 2014