UP accelerates expansion of inland waterways by signing key MoUs at India Maritime Week 2025

Uttar Pradesh inland waterways network gets major boost through MoUs at India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW) on Thursday. The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed MoUs worth over ₹6,000 crore for the development and expansion of the inland waterways network on the Ganga (NW-1).

These MoUs aim to strengthen river cruise tourism, ship repair infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and clean energy transport along National Waterway No. 1 (Ganga). The Authority announced an investment of ₹1,350 crore to accelerate the development of inland waterway transport and river cruise infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh following the signing of the MoUs during India Maritime Week 2025.

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Twenty-five MoUs were signed to promote the development of inland waterways across the country, with Uttar Pradesh securing major investment commitments, with a focus on expanding operations in Varanasi and the Ganga Corridor.

IWAI has signed an agreement with Heritage River Journeys Private Limited to build and commission new cruise ships, and promote cruise tourism on the National Waterways. The agreement with Alaknanda Cruises will facilitate the operation of cruise ships on NW-1, boosting premium river tourism and the heritage circuit in Varanasi. A total of over ₹800 crore has been allocated for these projects.

With the aim of making Uttar Pradesh a regional maritime service hub, IWAI has signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government to build a new ship repair center in Varanasi. This will involve an investment of ₹350 crore to provide necessary infrastructure and utility support. Additionally, two new river cruise terminals will be built in Varanasi with an investment of ₹200 crore, improving passenger convenience and operational efficiency in one of India’s fastest-growing cruise tourism destinations.

On the occassion of the signing of the MoUs, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said these agreements demonstrate India’s commitment to modernizing its river system. “These MoUs demonstrate how inland waterways are emerging as engines of growth, tourism, and regional integration,” Sonowal said. He described this development as a transformative moment for India’s maritime future.

Another initiative worth Rs 200 crore has been launched to establish a Regional Center of Excellence in Varanasi, focusing on skill development. Furthermore, a landmark MoU worth Rs 1,000 crore with Rhenus Logistics will facilitate the deployment of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, significantly increasing cargo capacity and improving multi-modal logistics efficiency.

Sarbananda Sonowal further said, “As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, this initiative realizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming transportation. This will strengthen our logistics ecosystem and open new avenues for trade, tourism, and regional integration. Let us reaffirm our commitment as partners in development, stewards of our waterways, and architects of a future that is sustainable.”

Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur said the partnership will strengthen electric vessel infrastructure, ship repair capabilities, and the training ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh. “These efforts create a comprehensive, future-ready inland waterways network that supports green growth and economic opportunity,” he said.

Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said the agreements strengthen India’s goal of a resilient maritime economy driven by innovation, investment, and sustainability.

With the strategic expansion of the NW-1 operation, Uttar Pradesh is poised to play a central role in India’s multi-modal logistics and river tourism sector, supporting national programmes such as Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV2030) and Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047 (MAKV2047).