Inland Waterways Development: Traffic Growth, Safety Milestones & New River Lighthouses on NW-2

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) reported that freight traffic on India's inland waterways expanded from 2. 9 crore metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 21. 8 crore metric tonnes in 2025-26. This increase represents a substantial rise in volume over a decade.

• ✓Freight traffic grew from 2. 9 crore to 21. 8 crore metric tonnes between 2014-15 and 2025-26.

The same source reported a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20. 13 per cent for inland waterways freight growth from 2014-15 to 2025-26.

• ✓The CAGR for inland waterways freight growth over the period was 20. 13 per cent.

The source noted that the 2025-26 volume of 21. 8 crore metric tonnes crossed the targeted 20 crore metric tonnes set for the Maritime India Vision 2030. This milestone indicates that the sector surpassed its long-term freight goal ahead of the 2030 deadline.

• ✓The 2025-26 volume exceeded the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 20 crore metric tonnes.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) conducts hydrographic surveys on National Waterways to assess water depth and navigability. The frequency of surveys—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—depends on each waterway's specific needs. As of September 2026, regular thalweg surveys were being conducted on 22 National Waterways, ensuring that depth data remains current for safe vessel operation. The minimum available depth (LAD) is a critical navigation parameter that determines a vessel's permitted draft and carrying capacity. IWAI undertakes terminal and jetty surveys to assess water depth and accessibility conditions around infrastructure. Digital platforms provide real-time information on water depth, channels, and weather, supporting navigation planning.

• ✓IWAI conducts hydrographic surveys; frequency varies by waterway need.
• ✓Minimum available depth (LAD) affects vessel draft and carrying capacity.
• ✓Digital platforms offer real-time water depth, channel, and weather data.

National Waterway-3 in Kerala has been equipped with 312 solar-powered FRPs (fiberglass reinforced plastic) floating markers and 17 navigation beacons. These aids support navigation along the fully navigable stretch of the waterway. The use of solar-powered markers ensures continuous operation without external power sources, improving reliability for night-time and low-visibility conditions.

• ✓312 solar-powered FRPs floating markers installed on NW-3.
• ✓17 navigation beacons installed for 24-hour navigation.
• ✓Aids support continuous navigation on the fully navigable stretch.

In March 2026, India announced its first four river-based lighthouses on National Waterway-2, the Brahmaputra River. This development marks a new milestone for inland navigation safety on the river.

• ✓First four river-based lighthouses announced on NW-2 (Brahmaputra) in March 2026.
• ✓Improve navigational visibility on the Brahmaputra River.
• ✓Complement existing navigation aids like buoys and beacons.

Inland waterways are promoted as a cost-effective and clean transport mode. The source reports that the cost to move one tonne of cargo by water is roughly one-third of road transport and half of rail transport. This cost advantage, combined with lower carbon emissions, reduces pressure on highways and offers an alternative for passenger and time-sensitive freight movement.

• ✓Water transport costs roughly one-third of road and half of rail per tonne.
• ✓Lower carbon emissions compared to road and rail.
• ✓2025-26 freight of 21. 8 crore metric tonnes exceeded the 20 crore MT Maritime India Vision 2030 target.