Context: The inaugural edition of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata was recently organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

About the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC)

• The IWDC is formed to accelerate holistic development of India's inland water transport sector with active association of States & Union Territories.

• It has been constituted under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).

• It focuses on a modern approach and clear strategy to rejuvenate neglected waterways.

Key Launches at IWDC

• Initiatives: 'Harit Nauka' guidelines and 'River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047' launched by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

• Vision: Rejuvenate waterways with a modern approach towards sustainable development for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Investment to be made for Inland Waterways

• Objective: Enable inland waterways as catalysts for economic growth and commerce.

• Investment: Rs 45,000 crore committed for river cruise tourism development, including development of cruise vessels, and cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047.

• Cargo Trade Focus: Investment at the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) to boost cargo trade, targeting 500 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) by 2047.

Roadmap for Capacity Enhancement

• Waterways Addition: Plan to develop 26 additional waterways for River Cruise tourism.

• Terminal Infrastructure: Grow from 15 to 185, a 1233% increase.

• Increase the number of cruise circuits, and enhance infrastructure.

Achievements and Initiatives of Government

• Port Turnaround: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata achieves net surplus of Rs 550 crore for FY2023-24.

• Jal Marg Vikas Project: Focus on Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system and targets modal share increase from 2% to 5%.

• Infrastructure Progress: Multimodal Terminals, Navigational Lock at Farakka, and over 60 community jetties enhance connectivity.

• Deployment of 8 electric catamaran vessels for pilgrimage tourism.

About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

• The IWAI is a statutory body in India responsible for the regulation and development of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.

• It was established in 1986 by the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985.

• Its headquarters is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

• It also has its regional offices at Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati and Kochi and sub-offices at Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Farrakka and Kollam.

• It operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

• It has objective to promote and facilitate inland water transport for cargo and passengers.

Functions

• The development and maintenance of national waterways, regulation and development of inland water transport, and promoting shipping and navigation on inland waterways.

• The development and maintenance of several National Waterways (NWs) in India.

• NWs are designated stretches of water bodies such as rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks that have been declared as navigable for shipping and navigation purposes.

• It undertakes various development projects to improve the infrastructure and navigability of inland waterways including dredging, construction of terminals, jetties, and other necessary facilities to enhance the efficiency of water transport.

• It works to reduce the congestion on roads and railways by encouraging the use of waterways for cargo and passenger transport.

• It provides financial assistance to state governments and other agencies for the development of inland water transport infrastructure.