The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has identified 14 national waterways in Maharashtra, of which seven have been found suitable for development following feasibility assessments. These seven waterways together account for a navigable stretch of about 662.97 km, marking a significant step toward strengthening inland water transport in the state.
The waterways cleared for development include National Waterway-4 (Godavari River), NW-11 (Arunavati–Aran system), NW-28 (Dabhol Creek–Vashishti River), NW-53 (Kalyan–Thane–Mumbai waterway covering Vasai Creek and the Ulhas River), NW-85 (Revadanda Creek–Kundalika River), NW-100 (Tapi River) and NW-109 (Wainganga–Pranahita river system).
Maharashtra already plays a key role in India’s inland water transport (IWT) network. During 2024–25, six waterways in the state—NW-10 (Amba River), NW-53, NW-83 (Rajpuri Creek), NW-85, NW-89 (Savitri River–Bankot Creek) and NW-91 (Shastri River–Jaigad Creek)—accounted for about 45.35 per cent of the country’s total IWT cargo movement, highlighting the state’s strategic importance in the sector.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is extending support to cargo operators, as required, to encourage the movement of both cargo and passengers through inland waterways across Maharashtra. IWAI is mandated to develop and regulate national waterways for navigation and shipping, while activities related to economic development and industrialisation along riverbanks remain under the purview of the state government.
The push for inland waterways aligns with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, which outlines a range of measures to strengthen coastal and riverine logistics and promote port-led industrial growth. The policy focuses on developing integrated logistics hubs, improving coastal and hinterland connectivity, and upgrading port and waterway infrastructure, particularly in coastal districts such as Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. These initiatives are expected to enhance cargo efficiency, reduce logistics costs and support balanced regional economic development across the state.
