Question : NEW NATIONAL POLICY ON INLAND WATER TRANSPORT

(a) whether the Government propose to formulate a new National Policy on Inland Water Transport; and

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)


(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. An Inland Water Transport policy has already been approved by the Government.

The salient features of the policy are :-

·	Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to enter into joint ventures with	private sector
·	Equity participation upto a maximum of 40% by Government in BOT projects.
·	Enhancement in depreciation rate for inland vessels at par with the rate applicable	to ocean going vessels;
·	Vessels Building Subsidy of 30% for ship owners for inland vessels built in Indian	Shipyards; and
·	Levying minimum customs duty on imported equipment and machinery for the development	of inland waterways.