Question : Inland Waterways

(a) whether the Government has started/ proposes to start any project to boost the inland waterways in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has proposed any multi-modal logistics parks in the country in this regard, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has included the inland backwaters in Kerala and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number if proposed inland waterways the Government proposes to develop by 2020; and
(e) the manner in which the Government proposes to encourage investment in the development of inland waterways?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)


(a)&(b):Yes, Madam. The Jal Marg Vikas Project for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi- Hooglyriver system) from Haldia to Allahabad (1620 km) is being implemented to facilitate navigation of vessels with assistance from the World Bank. Under the project, Multi-modal terminals are planned at Haldia, Sahibganj and Varanasi.

(c): Yes, Madam. The National Waterways Bill, 2015 for declaration of 106 additional waterways as National Waterways, passed by the LokSabha in December-2015, includes four backwaters in Kerala viz- AVM Canal, Alappuzha- Changanassery Canal, Alappuzha- Kottayam – Athirampuzha Canal and Kottayam-Vaikom Canal.

(d): The process for preparation of Techno- Economic Feasibility Studies/ Detailed Project Reports for identified new waterways has been initiated. Clarity on the number of waterways which may be developed as National Waterways by 2020 would emerge after analysing the reports of the studies.

(e): The private investment will be encouraged in construction, operation and maintenance of terminals, procurement of vessels,movement of vessels, operation and maintenance of river information system, ship repair and maintenance facilities etc.

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