IWAI announced a ₹6,000-crore plan to upgrade the Ganga River corridor with new cruise terminals, ship repair facilities, multimodal links and green transport projects.
IWAI Announces ₹6,000-Crore Investment to Transform Ganga River Corridor at Maritime Week 2025
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 28, 2025 —India’s inland water transport sector received a major boost as the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) announced over ₹6,000 crore in new investments to upgrade the Ganga River corridor during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. The announcement marks a decisive push to strengthen National Waterway-1 (NW-1) through tourism, logistics, shipbuilding, and green mobility projects that will anchor Varanasi as a major inland maritime centre.
Cruise Tourism Expansion with Two New Terminals in Varanasi
IWAI signed 25 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with domestic and international partners, highlighting a strong shift toward premium river tourism.
Heritage River Journeys and Alaknanda Cruises will collaborate with IWAI to build state-of-the-art cruise vessels and modern passenger facilities along the Ganga River corridor.
A major component of the plan is the construction of two new river cruise terminals in Varanasi, backed by a ₹200 crore investment. The terminals are expected to significantly increase passenger-handling capacity and position Varanasi as one of India’s fastest-growing cruise tourism destinations. Officials noted rising demand for spiritual tourism, cultural travel, and luxury river journeys on the Ganga.
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Ship Repair Hub and Centre of Excellence to Strengthen Maritime Capabilities
To advance maritime services on NW-1, IWAI and the Uttar Pradesh government will set up a ₹350 crore ship repair facility in Varanasi. The centre will provide essential maintenance, inspection, and operational support for vessels operating across the Ganga River corridor.
A second major initiative includes a ₹200 crore Regional Centre of Excellence, also planned in Varanasi.
This institute will focus on:
- Research in inland water transport
- Skills and capacity building
- Development of green and innovative maritime technologies
- Training for new-generation river transport professionals
These investments aim to create a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s inland waterway ambitions.
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Green Shipping and Sustainable Infrastructure Under National Mission
IWAI confirmed a ₹100 crore project to deploy electric vessel charging stations along key points of the Ganga River corridor.
This initiative is part of the National Green Shipping Mission, which aims to reduce emissions, support clean-fuel vessels, and promote sustainable navigation on India’s inland waterways.
In the logistics segment, IWAI signed a ₹1,000 crore partnership with Rhenus Logistics to introduce advanced tug-barge systems along the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
These modern vessels are expected to:
- Lower freight costs
- Increase cargo-carrying capacity
- Improve turnaround times
- Expand bulk and container transport through inland waterways
Officials stated that this partnership will help create a competitive multimodal freight ecosystem that aligns with India’s long-term logistics vision.
₹3,000 Crore Allocated for Dredging and Rail Connectivity Upgrades
Two major agreements—each valued at ₹1,500 crore—were announced to enhance the navigability and connectivity of the Ganga River corridor.
1. Dredging Oversight by IIT Madras
IIT Madras will lead advanced dredging oversight, channel mapping, and riverbed monitoring to ensure smooth, year-round navigation.
2. Rail Connectivity for Three Multimodal Terminals
A second agreement will strengthen rail integration for multimodal terminals in:
- Varanasi
- Sahibganj
- Haldia
The upgrade is part of the PM Gati Shakti programme, meant to deliver seamless movement between waterways, railways, and highways.
Government Says Inland Waterways Enter a New Era
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the investments reflect “how inland waterways are emerging as engines of growth, tourism, and regional integration.”
He added that the Ganga River corridor will play a key role in supporting economic activity, employment, and sustainable mobility across northern and eastern India.