As the new year dawns, India gears up for a significant milestone with the inaugural gathering of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), a pioneering event shaping the country’s transportation and infrastructure landscape. Hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), this monumental meeting marks the establishment of the IWDC as the paramount advisory body dedicated to steering the development of inland waterways.
Scheduled for January 8th, 2024, the historic rendezvous will unfold aboard the prestigious Cruise Vessel Ganges Queen, docked at the Kolkata Dock Complex, Kolkata. Chaired by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the esteemed Union Minister for MoPSW, the event is set to pave the way for transformative advancements in India’s inland water transportation sector.
The establishment of the IWDC symbolizes a paradigm shift in India’s transportation infrastructure, acknowledging the untapped potential and significance of inland waterways. These waterways, often referred to as the ‘blue highways,’ hold immense promise for cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation networks, contributing substantially to the nation’s economic growth.
As the apex advisory body, the IWDC will play a pivotal role in charting a comprehensive roadmap for the holistic development of inland waterways. It aims to harness the potential of rivers, canals, and other navigable water bodies, fostering a conducive ecosystem for enhanced trade, commerce, and connectivity across the country.
The inaugural meeting serves as a cornerstone for collaborative discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts, charting strategies to leverage inland waterways’ immense potential. It aims to address critical aspects such as infrastructure development, dredging, navigation, and regulatory frameworks to optimize the utilization of these water-based transport corridors.
This momentous event underlines the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable and efficient transportation systems. Leveraging inland waterways not only offers a cost-effective alternative for cargo movement but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Moreover, the IWDC’s establishment underscores the government’s vision of transforming India’s transportation landscape, unlocking new avenues for economic growth and employment generation.
In essence, the inaugural meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council stands as the first significant stride towards unlocking the immense potential of India’s water-based transport networks. It heralds an era of progressive infrastructure development, aiming to propel India towards a future where inland waterways play a pivotal role in the nation’s growth story.