India’s Inland Waterways Cargo Handling Hits Record 198 MMT: A Paradigm Shift in Logistics

From a policy perspective, this achievement aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes integrated infrastructure development. Inland waterways offer a compelling alternative to traditional road and rail transport, being nearly 30-50% cheaper and significantly more fuel-efficient. This cost advantage is particularly beneficial for primary industries such as coal, iron ore, and fly ash, as well as secondary industries like cement and steel. By shifting bulk cargo to water, the government is effectively decongesting saturated rail and highway corridors, thereby lowering the overall logistics cost—a key goal for improving India’s global manufacturing competitiveness. Furthermore, the expansion of IWT supports regional development in the hinterlands of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Barak river systems. It provides landlocked states with better access to maritime trade gateways, influencing the location of new industrial clusters near river banks. As India aims for a net-zero future, the lower carbon footprint of water-based transport makes it an essential component of the nation’s green transition. UPSC Relevance: This development is a prime example of infrastructure-led growth and can be used in answers related to "Infrastructure: Ports and Waterways" or "Factors responsible for the location of industries." It highlights the impact of the PM Gati Shakti and Jal Marg Vikas Project on reducing logistics costs and promoting sustainable regional development.