In November 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), signed a series of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) valued at over Rs.6000 crores. This initiative aims to revolutionize river-based transport and tourism infrastructure along the Ganga National Waterway (NW-1) in Uttar Pradesh (UP) during the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The agreements represent one of the largest investments in India's inland waterways sector, with a focus on areas such as cruise tourism, ship-repair facilities, clean-energy transport, cargo movement, and skill development.
The IWAI signed a total of 25 MoUs, with significant focus on enhancing inland waterways in UP, particularly in Varanasi and the Ganga corridor. The cruise tourism sector will benefit from investments aimed at introducing new vessels and promoting heritage routes along the Ganga.
Additionally, an agreement was reached for the development of a ship repair facility in Varanasi, which is expected to boost operational capacity and improve passenger services significantly.
To promote sustainable transport, the MoU for electric vessel (EV) charging stations seeks to align with the Government of India's National Green Shipping Mission (NGSM), emphasizing low-emission transportation methods.
Enhancing cargo movement along the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, the MoU with Rhenus Logistics introduces modern tug-barge fleets, increasing logistics efficiency. Furthermore, the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Varanasi will foster skill development and innovation in inland water transport and vessel design.
The IWAI's agreement with the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC) focuses on dredging supervision, crucial for maintaining smooth navigation on NW-1.
Lastly, the partnership with the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) aims to enhance railway connectivity to multimodal terminals, facilitating efficient transport links.
Q1. What is the purpose of the MoUs signed by IWAI?
Answer: The MoUs aim to enhance river-based transport and tourism infrastructure along the Ganga National Waterway, focusing on cruise tourism, cargo movement, and skill development.
Q2. How much investment is associated with the MoUs?
Answer: The MoUs represent an investment of over Rs.6000 crores, marking a significant boost to the inland waterways sector in India.
Q3. What is the significance of the Regional Centre of Excellence?
Answer: The Regional Centre of Excellence in Varanasi will support skill development and research in inland water transport and vessel design, contributing to workforce training.
Q4. Which companies are involved in cruise tourism development?
Answer: Heritage River Journeys and Alaknanda Cruises are key partners in developing cruise tourism along the Ganga National Waterway.
Q5. What role does NTCPWC play in this initiative?
Answer: NTCPWC will supervise dredging operations on NW-1, ensuring navigability and operational efficiency on the River Ganga.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the MoUs signed by IWAI?
A) Enhancing railway networks
B) Transforming river-based transport and tourism
C) Developing road infrastructure
D) Promoting air travel
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How much is the investment for the ship repair facility in Varanasi?
A) Rs.200 crores
B) Rs.350 crores
C) Rs.800 crores
D) Rs.1000 crores
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization is responsible for dredging supervision on NW-1?
A) IWAI
B) NTCPWC
C) IPRCL
D) MoPSW
Correct Answer: B
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