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Centre Clears Seven Waterways For Logistics Expansion In Maharashtra

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 03, 2026

Seven of Maharashtra’s 14 national waterways, spanning nearly 663 km, have been found feasible as the Centre steps up its push for inland water transport and coastal logistics. The approved waterways include major river and creek systems such as the Godavari, Tapi, Wainganga–Pranahita, along with several waterways across the Konkan coast and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. These routes are seen as critical for improving bulk cargo movement and easing pressure on road and rail networks.

Maharashtra already plays a significant role in India’s inland water transport network. In 2024–25, six national waterways in the State together handled 45.35% of the country’s total inland water transport cargo, driven largely by traffic linked to the Mumbai region and the Konkan coastline. To boost utilisation, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is extending support to cargo operators, wherever required, to encourage both freight and passenger movement on these routes. While IWAI is responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for navigation and shipping, economic activity and industrial development along riverbanks fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.

The push for inland waterways aligns with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, which prioritises coastal logistics and port-led industrial development. The policy envisages integrated logistics hubs, improved coastal connectivity and upgraded port infrastructure, particularly in coastal districts such as Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, to facilitate smoother cargo movement and support regional economic growth. 

To boost utilisation, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is extending support to cargo operators, wherever required, to encourage both freight and passenger movement on these routes. While IWAI is responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for navigation and shipping, economic activity and industrial development along riverbanks fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.