Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), launched a dedicated digital portal to attract private investment in infrastructure development across National Waterways (NWs) in India. Along with digital portal National Waterways Regulations, 2025 was also launched marking a transformative step in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Key Highlights
Objective:
- To streamline private participation in infrastructure creation on India’s inland waterways.
- Promotes Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and modernization of Inland Water Transport (IWT).
- To streamline and digitize investment opportunities, reduce red tape, and foster public-private partnerships
Developed by: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Supported by: National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025
What does New Regulations Enable?
- Private entities can now build and operate jetties or terminals on national waterways.
- Requires a ‘No Objection Certificate (NoC)’ from IWAI.
- Applies to both existing and upcoming terminals, permanent or temporary.
- Aims to simplify regulations, boost economic empowerment, and encourage job creation.
First NoC Issued Digitally Through Portal
This NoC authorised recipient company to establish a jetty at Malim on River Mandovi (in Goa) –National Waterway-68.
Recipient: Marina India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai-based firm)
Location: Malim, on National Waterway-68 (River Mandovi), Goa
Investment: Approx. ₹8 crore (US$ 960,000)
Infrastructure:
- Jetty designed to berth 16 private yachts/pleasure crafts (up to 30 meters each)
- Jetty will boost river cruise tourism (by catering to docking and undocking) and recreational navigation
Significance & Benefits:
- Transforms India’s maritime logistics ecosystem
- Enhances tourism, supports green transport
- Reinforces the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047
- Encourages public-private partnerships in the inland water sector
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Under: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Established: 1986
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Role:
- Development and regulation of inland waterways
- Maintenance of navigable waterways across India
- Implementing National Waterways projects