Efforts to develop waterways around Kolkata to serve NE
New Delhi, Aug 17, 2022, By Special Correspondent
New Delhi, Aug 17: Waterways around Kolkata are being developed as the city is connected to even far-flung north-eastern region and other parts of the country through waterways and rivers, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Chairman Sanjay Bandopadhyaya said on Wednesday.
He also said that efforts are being made to develop waterways with the help of the private sector.
As many as 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 20l6, to promote water transport in the country, he said at the 'Maritime Public Private Partnership Conclave 2022.
Bandopadhyaya said, "We have given assured depth contract at three stretches and more contracts are on bids."
The central government through IWAI, an autonomous organisation under the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, regulates development of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
The infrastructure developed on NWs like channels with navigational facilities and terminals/jetties may also be used by ferry/tourist vessels.
Also, financial assistance for the construction of passenger jetties and infrastructure facilities on waterways in Karnataka has been approved under Sagarmala scheme.
Cargo movement of 108.79 million metric tonnes (MMT) by inland water transport through NWs has been recorded during 2021-22.