Why in News?
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed multiple MoUs to enhance cargo movement, passenger transport, and river-based tourism in the Northeast, strengthening inland water transport (IWT) as a sustainable logistics mode.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Genesis & Status
- Established: 1986
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Nature: Statutory body responsible for development and regulation of National Waterways.
Mandate & Core Functions
- Development & Regulation:
- Planning, development, and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
- Infrastructure Creation:
- Dredging, river training works
- Navigational aids
- Construction of terminals, jetties, and multimodal hubs
- Operational Functions:
- Facilitating safe and efficient movement of cargo and passengers.
- Promoting inland water transport as an economical, eco-friendly mode.
- Policy Support:
- Advising Central Government on IWT development.
National Waterways
- National Waterways Act, 2016 expanded the number of National Waterways to 111.
- IWAI is responsible for their development, management, and operationalisation.
- Key developed NWs include:
- NW-1: Ganga (Haldia–Prayagraj)
- NW-2: Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya)
- NW-16: Barak River
Significance of the Recent MoUs (Northeast Focus)
- Boost to Cargo Movement:
- Enhances multimodal logistics connectivity in Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
- Improved Passenger & Tourist Mobility:
- River cruises and ferry services to boost regional tourism.
- Economic Integration:
- Strengthens trade links within the Northeast and with Bangladesh under the India–Bangladesh Protocol Routes.
- Environmental Benefits:
- IWT reduces fuel use, carbon emissions, and logistics cost vs road transport
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
