Gujarat could soon see a major boost in cruise and inland waterway tourism, with the Centre preparing to develop the Narmada and Tapi rivers for passenger and cargo movement.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a tripartite agreement with the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited and the Madhya Pradesh government to develop the Narmada waterway between the two states.
More than ₹70 crore has been allocated for surveys and infrastructure on the Narmada. IWAI has prepared a four-phase plan to develop the river stretch from the Gulf of Khambhat to Madhya Pradesh as an inland waterway.
The first phase, from Opl to Garudeshwar, is estimated to cost over ₹37 crore, while the second phase could require around ₹150 crore. Passenger jetties have also been proposed along the Bharuch-Garudeshwar stretch.
Funds for Narmada Waterway
IWAI has allocated more than ₹45 crore for dredging, river conservancy and navigation facilities. Another ₹12 crore has been set aside for terminals, land acquisition and connectivity. Additional funds will support hydraulic surveys, cargo promotion and other activities.
Tapi River Also in Focus
IWAI has prepared a detailed report on using the Tapi River for cargo transportation. The proposed waterway would cover around 170 km from Ukai Dam to the Gulf of Khambhat.
While cargo vessels and barges already operate on some parts of the route, ferry services are not currently available. The report recommends dredging the river and developing two terminals between Dumas and the Old Fort.
The first phase is estimated to cost around ₹55 crore, while extending the waterway up to Ukai Dam in the second phase could require nearly ₹2,000 crore.
Silt and Low Water May Pose Challenges
The development of both waterways could face technical challenges due to heavy silt and sand deposits, which would require regular dredging. Water levels in both rivers also fall significantly during summer.
However, the assessment suggests that the available water could support medium-sized passenger and cargo vessels, potentially opening the way for cruise tourism and improved river-based transport in Gujarat.