Latest news with #APIWA
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
AP charts inland waterways vision to drive sustainable growth
The AP Inland Waterways Authority (APIWA) organised a stakeholders' consultation meeting to chart the inland waterways vision in Vijayawada on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, the Infrastructure and Investment (I&I) Minister, BC Janardhan Reddy, said that in a major policy push towards sustainable transport and economic decentralisation, Andhra Pradesh has laid out an ambitious roadmap to make inland waterways a core component of its logistics infrastructure. With 978 kilometres of national waterways and 57 rivers, Andhra Pradesh is among India's most water-rich States. The Andhra Pradesh Inland Waterways Act, 2023, and the Central Inland Vessels Act, 2021, provide the regulatory foundation to enable safe and modern navigation practices. He said: 'The government aims to reduce dependency on road transport and cut carbon emissions by leveraging this natural advantage. Key corridors like National Waterway–4 (Krishna–Godavari canal system) and NW–79 (Penna River) already link industrial centres to major ports such as Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Krishnapatnam. Barges operating on these waterways can carry up to 2,200 tonnes—nine times more fuel-efficient than trucks. Current cargo movement of 8 million tonnes per annum is projected to rise to 14 million tonnes with projects like the Bandar Canal and Krishna River Ro-Ro corridors.' APIWA Chairman Z. Siva Prasad emphasised the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to overcome fiscal limitations and accelerate development. Strategic initiatives include Ro-Ro freight services, cruise and temple tourism, and port connectivity enhancements. Over 50 industrial clusters are being planned along river corridors to promote regional growth. APIWA also announced its pioneering role as the first State authority to digitally integrate vessel data with the NAVIK national database, ensuring real-time governance and operational transparency. Calling for collaboration, the Chairman urged the Union and State governments to integrate inland waterways with road, rail, and port infrastructure for a seamless logistics grid. He said: 'This is more than an authority—it's a movement to revive our rivers as engines of prosperity,' aligning the vision with the State's long-term development goal—Swarna Andhra 2047.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister Janardhan Reddy flags off boat marathon, unveils roadmap to boost inland waterways in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: Minister for Roads & Buildings and Infrastructure and Investments BC Janardhan Reddy on Monday flagged off the 'Boat Marathon' at Punnami Ghat, marking the second formation day of the Andhra Pradesh Inland Waterway Authority (APIWA). Addressing the mediapersons, the Minister said the TDP-led alliance government under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to promoting tourism integrated with water transport in the State. He noted that the government is exploring all possible avenues to develop inland waterways by leveraging the extensive coastline and river basins across AP. 'We will enhance the water transport system under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure efficient operations. An action plan is being formulated to attract large-scale investments in this sector, generating employment and livelihood opportunities for the youth,' he said. Highlighting the low cost of inland water transport compared to road and rail, the Minister said a report on existing routes and the untapped potential of water transport will be submitted to the Chief Minister, following which necessary steps will be taken. He said the government aims to triple the existing water transport routes to spur economic growth. Plans are in place to develop waterways from the upstream of Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Amaravati. Inland navigation will be introduced in Krishna and Godavari rivers, and in irrigation canals. 'Increasing exports and imports via waterways will significantly reduce pressure on road and rail networks,' he added. APIWA Chairman Dr Z Siva Prasad, AP Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nookasani Balaji, AP Maritime Board Chairman Damacharla Sathya, and the corporation's CEO Raghava Rao were present.
