Govt takes EPC route for awarding contracts in waterways projects

The IWAI is the implementing agency for the Centre's Jal Marg Vikas Project, a scheme approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in January

The government is replicating the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model of awarding highway contracts in waterways projects now. Companies like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani and Afcons have evinced interest in bidding for waterway contracts ranging from establishing cargo terminals and jetties to dredging activity.

“We are creating a modal choice for a cargo owner. The most cost-effective is waterways. And to enable that, we have to create the infrastructure — build terminals, dredging or fairway development etc,” Pravir Pandey, vice-chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), told Business Standard.
 

The IWAI is the implementing agency for the Centre’s