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Context:

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has upgraded its sub-office at Varanasi to a full-fledged Regional Office to streamline IWAI projects and related works in Uttar Pradesh.

Details

With the establishment of the Varanasi Regional Office, IWAI now operates six regional offices across India:

• Guwahati (Assam)
• Patna (Bihar)
• Kochi (Kerala)
• Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
• Kolkata (West Bengal)
• Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

A primary focus of the Varanasi Regional Office will be the implementation of the World Bank-supported Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). JMVP aims to augment the capacity of River Ganga (NW-1) through:

• River conservancy works, including bandalling and maintenance dredging.
• Development of Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs) at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia.
• Installation of a new navigational lock at Farakka in West Bengal.

About the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

It is a statutory body established under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985.

It works under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

It is responsible for the development, maintenance, and regulation of National Waterways (NWs) in India for shipping and navigation.

Its headquarters is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Functions of IWAI

• Developing and maintaining National Waterways for shipping and navigation.
• Conducting surveys and feasibility studies for new waterways.
• Providing technical assistance and advice to states for inland water transport development.
• Regulating and ensuring safe navigation on National Waterways.
• Promoting private sector participation in inland water transport projects.
• Undertaking infrastructure projects such as terminals, jetties, and navigation aids.

How many national waterways are there in India?

As of 2024, there are 111 National Waterways (NWs) in India. The National Waterways Act of 2016 declared these waterways. 

The longest is National Waterway 1 (NW-1), which spans 1,620 km and runs along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system from Haldia (West Bengal) to Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).

Significance of National Waterways

• Providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transport.
• Reducing congestion on roads and railways.
• Lowering logistics costs for industries.
• Promoting regional connectivity and economic development.
• Supporting the movement of bulk cargo like coal, cement, and food grains.

Must Read Articles: 

INLAND WATERWAYS

WATERWAYS IN INDIA

Source: 

PIB