(a) the number of Build Operate Transfer Projects approved by the Central Inland Waterways Authority during the last two years, location-wise;
(b) the number of these projects which are actually under implementation; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to improve the functioning of IWAI?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI SU. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR )
(a) &(b) : So far, no Build Operate and Transfer project has been approved by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
(c) : The Government has approved an Inland Water Transport Policy under which Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been authorised to raise bonds to mobilize funds from market, to enter into commercial/joint ventures and , equity participation in BOT projects. The total number of Members on the Authority of IWAI has been increased from 5 to 6. IWAI Act 1985 has been amended accordingly. In addition, financial powers for IWAI to sanction projects have been enhanced from Rs.2 Crores to Rs.15 Crores.