Why is it in the news?
- The Inland Waterways Authority of India organized the inaugural ‘Inland Waterways Development Council’ meeting on January 8, 2023, in Kolkata.
More about the news
- The IWDC meeting encompasses a comprehensive agenda designed to address pivotal issues in the advancement of inland waterways in India.
- The meeting’s focus includes critical aspects such as fairway development; private sector engagement; and optimizing cargo transport efficiency in Inland Water Transport (IWT).
- The agenda also included promotion of eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation; exploration of economic advantages in river cruise tourism; and advocacy for sustainable practices in the development of inland waterways, ensuring environmentally responsible initiatives.
- Launched significant initiatives, including “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047.”
About Inland Waterways Development Council
- The IWDC was established in October 2023 by the Government of India.
- Its primary focus is on the comprehensive development of inland waterways and the associated Inland Water Transport (IWT) ecosystem.
- Aims to improve cargo efficiency, enhance passenger movement, and promote river cruise tourism.
- It promotes active participation from States and Union Territories.
| Note:
· The Ministry aims to elevate inland waterways’ cargo modal share from the current 2% to 5% under the Maritime India Vision 2030. · The 2047 goals envisage a significant rise in cargo volumes from the present 120 million tonnes per annum to over 500 million tonnes. |
