The New Highways: Modi’s Bold Mission to Revive India’s Rivers for Development

India’s Rivers Reimagined as Highways of Progress

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India’s rivers as more than cultural icons — they are “highways of progress,” key to national development. Through modern rejuvenation efforts, inland waterways have evolved into efficient, sustainable networks for cargo transport and tourism, boosting economic connectivity across states.

Highlighting an insightful article by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Modi drew attention to how traditional river routes that once enabled trade along the Ganga and Brahmaputra are being revitalized under the government’s multimodal connectivity vision.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has expanded the country’s navigable waterways from just 5 national waterways in 2014 to 111 today, with 32 currently operational. This growth supports goals to increase cargo movement via waterways tenfold by 2030, reducing fuel use and emissions while lowering transportation costs.

Modern Logistics and Flourishing Tourism

Cargo transported through India’s rivers has surged from 18 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 145 million tonnes in 2024–25. River tourism has picked up pace, with 25 cruise vessels now plying across 13 key waterways, including upgraded terminals in Varanasi, Kolkata, Patna, and Guwahati. These have been outfitted with modern amenities such as electric shore power and 24-hour navigation to ensure safety and sustainability.

Notable Updates

Over 14,500 kilometres of navigable waterways in India, rivaling global best practices.

Inland water cargo target: 200 million tonnes by 2030 and 250 million tonnes by 2047.

Cruise tourism and river transport facilities have seen massive upgrades and expansions.

Government’s multimodal approach integrates waterways with road and rail networks to boost efficiencies.

Emphasis on eco-friendly transport reducing carbon footprint in national logistics.

Major Takeaways

PM Modi’s endorsement underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing rivers as economic lifelines that blend heritage with modern infrastructure. The strategic rejuvenation of waterways stands as a pillar in India’s vision for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Sources: PM India; DD News; IANS; The Statesman