At the India Maritime Week 2025 held at Nesco Grounds, Mumbai, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to operationalise National Waterway–5 (NW–5) and National Waterway–64 (NW–64) in Odisha — marking a major push toward developing the state’s inland water transport infrastructure.
The MoU, signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Government of Odisha, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), aims to unlock the potential of Odisha’s extensive river systems for sustainable cargo movement and regional economic growth.
With a planned investment of ₹12,200 crore, the project will enable the efficient transport of coal and other bulk commodities from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip and Dhamra ports through inland waterways. The initiative is expected to lower logistics costs, ease pressure on road and rail corridors, and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision for sustainable infrastructure development.
The project will be implemented through a newly formed special purpose vehicle (SPV) — the Inland Waterways Consortium of Odisha Limited (IWCOL). Under the agreement, IWAI will lead project planning, obtain statutory clearances, and develop key infrastructure including terminals, barrages, and navigation systems.
The Government of Odisha will provide land and facilitate necessary administrative support, while MCL will ensure steady cargo movement and establish first-mile connectivity. The Paradip Port Authority will promote cargo handling through the waterways and encourage industries to adopt this greener mode of transport.
The MoU was formalised in the presence of Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur.
According to the official statement, “This collaborative initiative will create an integrated and sustainable inland water transport network in Odisha, driving industrial growth, generating employment, and enhancing logistics efficiency across eastern India.”
