Shipping and Waterways

April 24, 2026 8:05 PM

Govt reviews fuel supply, maritime operations amid West Asia situation; urges no panic buying

The Centre on Friday said it is maintaining adequate fuel supplies and closely monitoring developments in West Asia, while urging citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel and LPG. At a media briefing at the National Media Centre, officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs outlined measures to ensure stability across energy supply, maritime operations and support to Indian nationals in the region. Officials said 100 pe...

April 10, 2026 10:32 PM

90% cargo backlog cleared at major ports amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that nearly 90% of cargo backlog at India’s major ports has been cleared following swift government intervention amid disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials and port authorities, the minister said timely monitoring and coordinated action helped restore normal port operations and minimise the impact on trade. “We acted swiftly and in a...

December 28, 2025 11:51 AM

Govt notifies guidelines for shipbuilding assistance, development schemes; ₹44,700 crore outlay to boost capacity

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has notified the operational guidelines for two major shipbuilding initiatives — the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) — aimed at strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity and enhancing its global competitiveness. Together, the schemes involve a total outlay of ₹44,725 crore and provide a transparent, accountable framework for implementation. Union Minister for ...

October 29, 2025 12:09 PM

India poised to become hub for green shipping corridors, says Sarbananda Sonowal

India’s maritime sector remains central to its economic strength, with over 95 per cent of the nation’s trade by volume moving through the sea, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. Speaking at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 on Green Maritime Day, Sonowal said, “It is a day that embodies our shared resolve to shape a cleaner and more sustainable future for global shipping.” He added that India’s Net Zero by 2070 commitment places the mari...

May 19, 2025 10:40 PM

Sonowal reviews inland waterways projects in Assam and Northeast; Rs.1,500 cr projects in pipeline to boost maritime growth

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), and state PWD, focused on aligning regional development with Prime Minister Nare...

April 16, 2025 3:17 PM

Cargo traffic on National Waterways hits record high of 145.5 million tonnes in FY 2024-25

Cargo movement on National Waterways reached a record high of 145.5 million tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024–25, while the number of operational waterways increased from 24 to 29, marking a major milestone for the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, IWAI’s performance reflects significant growth in the inland water transport (IWT) sector during the fiscal year. Cargo traffic on National Waterways has increased from 18.10 MMT in FY 2013–...

February 28, 2025 3:26 PM

National Waterways Regulations to unlock new opportunities for private sector in inland waterways development

In a significant move to enhance infrastructure and attract private sector investment, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced new regulations to streamline processes and promote efficient use of India’s vast waterways network. The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, formulated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aim to open new opportunities for private entities to participate in the development of inland water...