New waterways across Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are planned for development through 2030-31
The Government of India has identified 19 additional National Waterways (NWs) for development over the next five years, with a primary focus on cruise tourism and passenger ferry operations. The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen inland water transport and expand the use of India’s waterways for passenger mobility and tourism.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a total of 111 inland waterways across the country have been declared National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Of these, 32 National Waterways are currently operational for cargo and passenger movement.
The new corridors have been identified following studies and in pursuance of the Budget announcement for 2026-27. The government has stated that its priority remains the development of already declared and feasible National Waterways for cargo and passenger transportation before declaring additional waterways.
Development to be taken up in phases
The proposed waterways will be developed in phases between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31.
During FY 2026-27, development is planned for NW-49 (Jhelum River), NW-26 (Chenab River) and NW-84 (Ravi River) in Jammu & Kashmir; NW-51 (Kabini River) and NW-90 (Sharavati River) in Karnataka; and NW-88 (Sal River) in Goa.
For FY 2027-28, the programme includes NW-52 (Kali River) and NW-41 (Ghataprabha River) in Karnataka, along with NW-22 (Birupa–Badi–Genguti–Brahmani System) and NW-96 (Subarnarekha River) in Odisha.
The next phase, FY 2028-29, covers NW-25 (Chapora River) in Goa and NW-13 (AVM Canal) and NW-59 (Kottayam–Vaikom Canal) in Kerala.
In FY 2029-30, the programme proposes development of NW-89 (Savitri River & Bankot Creek) and NW-28 (Dabhol Creek–Vashishti River) in Maharashtra, as well as NW-20 (Bhawani River) in Tamil Nadu.
The final phase listed in the government’s plan, FY 2030-31, includes NW-98 (Sutlej River) covering Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, NW-76 (Panchgangavali River) in Karnataka and NW-37 (Gandak River) in Uttar Pradesh.
Focus on inland mobility and tourism
The proposed corridors indicate a wider emphasis on using inland waterways not only for transportation but also for cruise tourism and passenger ferry services. The programme covers rivers, canals and interconnected water systems across several regions, potentially creating new opportunities for water-based connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
The government has reiterated that the development of feasible existing National Waterways for cargo and passenger movement will remain the priority. The identification of the 19 additional waterways therefore represents a phased expansion of the country’s inland water transport network rather than an immediate declaration of new National Waterways.
The information was provided by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, according to the Press Information Bureau release dated 11 August 2026.
Also Read: From Shahjahanabad to the Master Plan: A.K. Jain Reflects on the Evolution of Delhi’s Urban Planning
Join our WhatsApp Channel for fastest updates: Join now
