Lok Sabha Question No. 2196 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: IWAI in Varanasi
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2196

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## IWAI IN VARANASI

2196. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन एवं जलमागŊ मंũालय

(a)  the  expected  economic  and  logistical  benefits  of  the  newly  established  Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) regional office in Varanasi for the region and its surrounding areas; (b) whether any new infrastructure projects are planned in Varanasi on accounting of the presence of this office and if so, the details thereof; (c) the manner in which the local industries and businesses are expected to benefit from enhanced inland water transport connectivity; (d) the role of Indian ports in advancing India's Blue Economy Vision and contributing to the growth of maritime trade; and (e) whether the study conducted by the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) for a new rail route linking Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhavtada via Sanchor to  Kandla Port has been completed, if so, the manner in which the Government is planning  to  integrate  this  rail  link  with  inland  waterways  and  port  infrastructure  to

- enhance cargo transportation and trade connectivity?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) The establishment of a regional office of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Varanasi is a strategic move aimed at streamlining Inland Water Transport (IWT) projects  and  enhancing  coordination  with  the  State  IWT  Authority.  This  office  will enable more effective monitoring, execution, and administration of projects on National Waterways in Uttar Pradesh. It will also play a key role in unlocking the potential of water  transport  in  the  state,  positioning  the  region  as  a  critical  hub  for  waterway logistics and economic development.

- (b) The details of various IWT projects planned/ongoing/completed at Varanasi are:
- i. Multimodal Terminal, Varanasi
- ii. Development of Freight Village, Varanasi
- iii. Establishment of 6 Nos. community jetties
- iv. Establishment of Regional Centre of Excellence, Varanasi
- v. Construction of Ship Repair Facility, Varanasi
- vi. River Cruise Terminal, Varanasi
- vii. Urban Transport  Project, Varanasi
- viii. Fairway Development from Varanasi to Ghazipur
- ix. Railways connectivity to Multimodal Terminal Varanasi
- x. Deployment of Hydrogen Vessel & Hybrid Electric Catamaran

(c)  Waterways are more fuel-efficient compared to  road  and rail transport, making them a cost-effective option, particularly for  bulk cargo such as coal, cement, food grains, fertilizers, stone chips, and raw materials. As per the study conducted by the World Bank, the operating cost of IWT mode is Rs. 1.2 per Ton Kilometre, Road is Rs. 2.28  per  Ton  Kilometre  and  Rail  is  Rs.  1.4  per  Ton  Kilometre.  IWT  provides  a supplementary mode of transportation to the Local industries and businesses. IWAI is providing required infrastructure, fairway and navigational aids for efficient movement of vessels from Varanasi to Haldia and then to North Eastern Region (NER) through Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. These developmental activities are facilitating cargo and cruise movements on National Waterway -1 (River Ganga) leading to direct and indirect employment along with providing connectivity with the Gateway ports of Haldia and Kolkata. Due to these interventions, cargo movement on NW-1 has increased from 5.05 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 16.4 million tonnes in 2024-25.

(d)    Indian  ports  play  a  pivotal  role  in  realizing  the  Blue  Economy  Vision,  which emphasizes  sustainable  use  of  ocean  resources  for  economic  growth,  improved livelihoods, and environmental protection. As gateways to global trade and maritime infrastructure, ports are at the heart of india's economic and geopolitical strategy in the indian ocean region.

(e)  Indian  Port  Rail  and  Ropeway  Corporation  Limited  (IPRCL)  had  conducted feasibility study covering traffic report, financial report and engineering survey report for the proposed new rail connectivity from Jaisalmer to Bhabhar via Barmer with a proposed  connection  to  Deendayal  Port,  Kandla  via  Palanpur,  Gandhidham  in January, 2018 for enhancing cargo transportation and transhipment capacities. In the Report, the estimated cost of the project was Rs. 2177.01 Cr. for diesel traction and Rs. 2555.71 Cr. for electric traction.  IPRCL had submitted copies of the Report to the Government of Rajasthan and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).

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