The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal gave written replies to the series of questions today in the parliament regarding port development and maritime infrastructure in the country. Sarbananda Sonowal replied to the various concerns regarding the environmental impact of increased inland waterways intensity. He highlighted that inland water transport (IWT) is considered an environmentally friendly mode of transport due to its cost-effectiveness and lower pollution compared to road and rail transport.
Sarbananda Sonowal replied to the various concerns regarding the environmental impact of increased inland waterways intensity. He highlighted that inland water transport (IWT) is considered an environmentally friendly mode of transport due to its cost-effectiveness and lower pollution compared to road and rail transport.
On questions regarding the extension of National Waterway (NW-3) Sonowal informed, that the Chavakkad to Ponnani stretch has been officially declared as an extension of NW-3, as per the National Waterway Act, 2016. However, the Government of Kerala's recent request to extend NW-3 further south from Kollam and north from Kozhikode to Bekal could not be considered due to a lack of potential cargo in these stretches. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is focusing on the currently declared and economically viable stretches of NW-3, and further extensions are not feasible at this time.
Additionally, there are no plans for equity participation between the Government of India and the Government of Kerala for the extension of NW-3, and thus, the details regarding such participation do not arise.
The Kalughat intermodal terminal in Saran district, Bihar are being constructed at a cost of Rs 82.48 crores, and was inaugurated in February 2024. It has a capacity of 77,000 TEU per annum, features a berthing structure of 125 meters in length and 30 meters in width, and includes a container storage yard. The terminal is connected to National Highway 19.
Regarding operational issues, siltation of the riverbed is a natural occurrence, which is managed through maintenance dredging. The contract for Fairway Maintenance of the Kalughat Access Channel, which extends 12.5 km, has been awarded, and work is ongoing.
To ensure the terminal becomes operational, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has already engaged an Operation & Maintenance Operator.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal provided an update on port development in Andhra Pradesh. The Government of India has not conducted recent studies into the operations of all major and non-major ports in the state. However, following a request from the State Government, the Ministry engaged L&T Infra Engineering Limited under the Sagarmala Scheme to prepare a detailed project report for the "Improvement of Kakinada Anchorage Port Facilities."
Under the Sagarmala Scheme, financial assistance has been provided for 13 projects in Andhra Pradesh, totaling approx Rs 2,500 crores. These projects include Ro-Pax and passenger jetties, fishing harbours, port modernization, and skill development. Of this amount, Rs 450 crores have been sanctioned for development. The specific projects funded under Sagarmala in Andhra Pradesh are detailed in Annexure-I.
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