Govt may declare additional 101 routes as national waterways

Government is considering a proposal to declare an additional 101 routes as national waterways, Parliament was informed today.
"A proposal for declaration of 101 additional routes as national waterways is under consideration by the government. The proposal covers waterways across the country, which have potential for year-round commercial navigation," Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan told the Rajya Sabha.
Inland Waterways Authority of India is conducting feasibility studies on the proposed new routes, he added.
"Thereafter, based on the outcome of the study, further steps would be taken for the development of the proposed national waterways," the minister said.

The time-frame for developing these waterways can be finalised only after these are declared as national waterways, he added.