Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal interacts warmly with ‘Pulikali’ performers at Marine Drive in Kochi during his visit to inaugurate the meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council on January 23, 2026.
| Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin
A package for Kerala, including the development of river cruise jetties, the induction of one survey vessel, and further strengthening the State’s capacity for passenger movement, tourism, and safe navigation was announced at the third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) that concluded here on Friday (January 23, 2026).
Kerala’s vast backwater and canal network was highlighted as a major opportunity for inland waterways. The council also noted the initiative of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to conduct a feasibility study for urban water transport across 18 Indian cities, including Alappuzha and Kollam, under the aegis of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the meeting.
Kerala emerged as a key focus area at the meeting, with a series of major announcements aimed at strengthening inland water transport and logistics in the State. The Jal Vahak cargo promotion scheme is being explored for expansion to other National Waterways, including those in Kerala, offering reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating expenditure incurred on cargo movement through inland waterways.
Projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore, aimed at accelerating green mobility, strengthening multimodal logistics, and promoting river-led economic development, were identified at the meeting. The council was apprised of major new projects worth over ₹900 crore, including the development of a slipway facility at Kochi.
Published – January 24, 2026 12:34 am IST
