India's IWDC Commits Rs 45,000 Cr to Boost River Cruise Tourism
The maiden edition of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) concluded in Kolkata, marking a groundbreaking effort to enhance the capacity and viability of India's inland waterways.
Chaired by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including ministerial representations from states, policy makers, and industry leaders.
With the objective of positioning inland waterways as drivers of economic growth and commerce, the IWDC committed a substantial investment of Rs 45,000 crore for the development of river cruise tourism.
This ambitious sum includes Rs 35,000 crore for cruise vessels and Rs 10,000 crore for cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047. Additionally, an investment of Rs 15,200 crore for the enhancement of inland waterways for cargo trade was agreed upon during the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) held in October 2023, with the aim of achieving a growth rate of over 400 per cent, reaching a volume of 500 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) by 2047.
During the inaugural session, Sonowal launched the 'Harit Nauka' guidelines and 'River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047.'
Speaking at the event, Sonowal emphasised India's impressive growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since 2014. He highlighted the immense potential of the blue economy and the need to rejuvenate the country's waterways. The IWDC, with a modern approach and clear strategy, aims to ensure sustainable development for an Atmanirbhar Bharat by the end of Amrit Kaal.
At the IWDC, a roadmap was devised to enable capacity in an additional 26 waterways suitable for River Cruise tourism. The number of cruise circuits with night stays is set to increase from 17 to 80 during the same period.
Infrastructure development will also witness a significant boost, with the number of river cruise terminals increasing to 185, representing a growth of 1233 per cent from the current 15 terminals.
The IWDC meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Tourism, Shripad Naik, and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, along with ministers from state governments, senior government officials, and other key stakeholders.
Sonowal highlighted the pivotal role of IWDC in advancing India's inland water transport sector, emphasising the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The roadmap identified 30+ additional potential routes for various cruise types, including long & short, recreational, and heritage segments, aiming to attract a diverse range of tourists.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, which was in loss in 2014, is expected to achieve a net surplus of over Rs 550 crore for FY2023-24. The government's initiatives, such as the flagship Jal Marg Vikas Project, underscore its commitment to increasing the modal share of inland water transport from 2 per cent to 5 per cent by 2030, as outlined in the Maritime India Vision.
Inland Water Transportation (IWT) plays a crucial role in transforming logistics and passenger movement in the country, offering an effective alternative mode of transportation.
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aims to unlock the full spectrum of opportunities inherent in India's coastline, inland waterways, and coastal districts, fostering inclusive growth and employment.
The IWDC meeting reflects India's commitment to harnessing the potential of its water routes, aligning with a vision for sustainable development and growth in the inland water transport sector.
