Ports Ministry's New Regulations Aim To Boost Inland Waterways, Attract Private Sector — Details Here

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has come up with fresh regulations, aimed at promoting the use of inland waterways and drawing the participation of private sector.

The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been put in place for the establishment of jetties and terminals by various entities, including private, public, and joint ventures, on national waterways across the country, according to an official release.

This comes days after the Union Budget for financial year 2025-26 allocated Rs 1,944 crore for the Inland Water Transport Authority of India.

The regulations, formulated by IWAI, are designed to attract private sector investment in setting up terminals, streamline processes and to promote efficient use of India’s vast waterways network, the ports ministry added.

According to the ministry, the enabling of private players to develop and operate jetties and terminals will "open up new opportunities for investment, trade, and economic growth", while also improving logistical efficiency.

This initiative is expected to contribute to the reduction of transportation costs, enhance cargo movement, and support the overall growth of the inland waterways sector, it added.

Under the new regulations, any entity including private, wishing to develop or operate an inland waterway terminal on a national waterway, need to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the IWAI.

Both existing and new terminals, whether permanent or temporary, are covered under these regulations. Permanent terminals can be maintained for the lifetime by the operator, while temporary terminals will have an initial five-year term with the possibility of extensions, as per the release.

The terminal developer and operator will be responsible for the technical design and construction of the terminal, ensuring it aligns with their business plan and provides adequate access, the ports ministry added.

IWAI is developing an online application portal to streamline and digitise the application process for terminal developers and operators. "This digital platform will enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, in line with the government's vision of Ease of Doing Business," it further said.

The cargo movement on national waterways has surged over the last decade, from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in fiscal year 2024, the ports ministry said.

Additionally, the newly launched Jalvahak scheme, which aims to incentivise a shift in cargo transport by nearly 17% from the current 4,700 million tonne kilometres on national waterways, is expected to further boost private sector participation, it added.