Uttar Pradesh secures INR 6,000 crores-worth of deals for inland waterways expansion

The agreements include the establishment of new cruise terminals.

India’s Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has inked agreements worth more than INR 6,000 crores for the development and expansion of the inland waterways network on the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed aim at strengthening river cruise tourism, ship repair infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and clean-energy transportation along National Waterway-1 (Ganga).

IWAI announced an investment boost of INR 1,350 crore to accelerate inland water transport and river cruise infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian state secured INR 800 crores for major commitments focused on expanding operations in Varanasi and along the Ganga corridor. IWAI signed an agreement with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. to develop, induct new cruise vessels and expand cruise tourism on national waterways. Meanwhile, the deal with Alaknanda Cruises will support the operation of cruise vessels on NW-1, enhancing premium river tourism and heritage circuits in Varanasi.

In a move that is expected to position Uttar Pradesh as a regional maritime services hub, IWAI entered into an MoU with UP government for the development of a new ship repair facility in Varanasi, with an investment of INR 350 crores. Two new river cruise terminals, with an investment of INR 200 crores, will also be developed in Varanasi.

To promote clean and sustainable river mobility, the state approved a project for electric vessel charging infrastructure, aligning with India’s National Green Shipping Mission and the vision for low-emission river transport. An INR 100 crore MoU will enable the rollout of electric charging infrastructure for vessels, supporting the National Green Shipping Mission.

Another INR 200 crore initiative will establish a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Varanasi, focused on skill development. This will promote research, skills training and innovation in inland water transport operations, vessel design and green technologies.

Meanwhile, a landmark MoU with Rhenus Logistics at INR 1,000 crores will enable the induction of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, significantly enhancing cargo transportation capacity and improving multimodal logistics efficiency.

A sum of INR 1,500 crores has been earmarked under the MoU signed between IWAI and NTCPWC of IIT Madras for dredging works supervision on NW1 (Ganga).

To accelerate the vision of PM Gati Shakti, rail connectivity for the Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj & Haldia is being proposed. This initiative will be undertaken through an MoU signed between IWAI & IPRCL for preparing the DPR & PMC services, at an INR 1,500 crore investment.