At the first meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) that concluded on January 8 in Kolkata, with a focus on strengthening the inland water transport system in the country, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal launched Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels and River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047. The meeting was held onboard vessel MV Ganga Queen and showcased the interesting possibilities waterways sector holds.
The Harit Nauka Guidelines unveil the strong commitment MoPSW has put forth towards promoting passenger transport through inland waterways in an environment friendly and sustainable manner by increasing the adoption of low-emission fuel (CNG/LNG/electric/hydrogen/methanol) as propulsion fuel for inland vessel operations (Green Vessels). Chairman, IWAI and Chairman & Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited apprised meeting participants on the country’s elevated capacity in building such Green Vessels and highlighted that a new state of the art facility has been set up at the Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited for construction of electric powered inland vessels, the ministry said.
The Minister also shared the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 that focuses on four vital pillars, including Infrastructure, Integration, Accessibility, and Policy for promoting river cruise tourism. As a part of the roadmap, over 30 possible routes and tourist circuits along inland waterways have been identified for further development.
