NIO’s recent sales growth has continued in 2026. After a long period of slow growth, in August of last year, NIO’s sales jumped up tremendously. Then sales continued to growth throughout the rest of the year. But what about January, with other Chinese EV makers struggling to get rolling this ... [continued]

The post NIO Sales Soar 96% in January! appeared first on CleanTechnica.

XPENG had a long run of huge sales growth in the past year or two. In January 2025, for example, sales reached 30,350 units, which was a 268% increase over the 8,250 sales of January 2024. However, by December, that growth has slowed down, and 2026 is not kicking off ... [continued]

The post XPENG Sales Drop 34% in January appeared first on CleanTechnica.

BEVs reach 28% market share! EVs had another strong month in Europe, with a record 453,000 plugin vehicles being registered in Europe in December, blasting through the previous record set three years before, 412,000 units. Of those 453,000 units registered in December, 327,000 of them were BEVs, with pure electrics ... [continued]

The post Europe EV Sales — Record Month! appeared first on CleanTechnica.

NIO’s recent sales growth has continued in 2026. After a long period of slow growth, in August of last year, NIO’s sales jumped up tremendously. Then sales continued to growth throughout the rest of the year. But what about January, with other Chinese EV makers struggling to get rolling this ... [continued]

The post NIO Sales Soar 96% in January! appeared first on CleanTechnica.

XPENG had a long run of huge sales growth in the past year or two. In January 2025, for example, sales reached 30,350 units, which was a 268% increase over the 8,250 sales of January 2024. However, by December, that growth has slowed down, and 2026 is not kicking off ... [continued]

The post XPENG Sales Drop 34% in January appeared first on CleanTechnica.

BEVs reach 28% market share! EVs had another strong month in Europe, with a record 453,000 plugin vehicles being registered in Europe in December, blasting through the previous record set three years before, 412,000 units. Of those 453,000 units registered in December, 327,000 of them were BEVs, with pure electrics ... [continued]

The post Europe EV Sales — Record Month! appeared first on CleanTechnica.

In Short : Over the past decade, India has shifted from chronic power shortages to being largely power-sufficient by massively expanding electricity generation capacity and grid infrastructure. Installed capacity has nearly doubled since 2014, narrowing the gap between demand and supply to almost zero and allowing India to meet peak demand with no shortfall. This transition supports economic growth, universal electrification, and energy security.

In Detail : There is adequate availability of power in the country. Present installed generation capacity of the country is 513.730 GW. Government of India has addressed the critical issue of power deficiency by adding 289.607 GW of fresh generation capacity since April, 2014 transforming the country from power deficit to power sufficient.

The State/ UT-wise details of Power Supply Position, including Maharashtra, for the last three years and the current FY i.e. 2025-26 (upto December, 2025) are attached below. These details indicate that Energy Supplied has been commensurate to the Energy Requirement with only a marginal gap which is generally on account of constraints in the State transmission/distribution network. Hence there is no impact of shortage on the economy and industrial growth.

Further, Electricity being a concurrent subject, the supply and distribution of electricity to the various categories of consumers/areas/districts in a State/UT is within the purview of the respective State Government/Power Utility. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments by establishing power plants in Central Sector through Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and allocating power from them to the various States / UTs.

The Government have taken the following steps to meet the increasing demand of electricity in the country:

1. Generation Planning:

• As per National Electricity Plan (NEP), installed generation capacity in 2031-32 is likely to be 874 GW. With a view to ensure generation capacity remains ahead of projected peak demand, all the States, in consultation with CEA, have prepared their “Resource Adequacy Plans (RAPs)”, which are dynamic 10 year rolling plans and includes power generation as well as power procurement planning.
• All the States were advised to initiate process for creating/ contracting generation capacities; from all generation sources, as per their Resource Adequacy Plans.
• In order to augment the power generation capacity, the Government of India has initiated following capacity addition programme:

(A) The projected thermal (coal and lignite) capacity requirement by the year 2034–35 is estimated at approximately 3,07,000 MW as against the 2,11,855 MW installed capacity as on 31.03.2023. To meet this requirement, Ministry of Power has envisaged to set up an additional minimum 97,000 MW coal and lignite based thermal capacity.To meet this requirement, several initiatives have already been undertaken. Thermal capacities of around 17,360 MW have already been commissioned since April 2023 till 20.01.2026. In addition, 39,545 MW of thermal capacity (including 4,845 MW of stressed thermal power projects) is currently under construction. The contracts of 22,920 MW have been awarded and is due for construction. Further, 24,020 MW of coal and lignite-based candidate capacity has been identified which is at various stages of planning in the country.

(B)12,973.5 MW of Hydro Electric Projects are under construction. Further, 4,274 MW of Hydro Electric Projects are under various stage of planning and targeted to be completed by 2031-32.

(C) 6,600 MW of Nuclear Capacity is under construction and targeted to be completed by 2029-30. 7,000 MW of Nuclear Capacity is under various stages of planning and approval.

(D) 1,57,800 MW Renewable Capacity including 67,280 MW of Solar, 6,500 MW of Wind and 60,040 MW Hybrid power is under construction while 48,720 MW of Renewable Capacity including 35,440 MW of Solar and 11,480 MW Hybrid Power is at various stages of planning and targeted to be completed by 2029-30.

(E) In energy storage systems, 11,620 MW/69,720 MWh Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are under construction. Further, a total of 6,580 MW/39,480 MWh capacity of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are concurred and yet to be taken up for construction. Currently, 9,653.94 MW/ 26,729.32 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity are under construction and 19,797.65 MW/ 61,013.40 MWh BESS capacity are under tendering stage

2. Transmission Planning: Inter and Intra-State Transmission System has been planned and implementation of the same is taken up in matching time frame of generation capacity addition. As per the National Electricity Plan, about 1,91,474 ckm of transmission lines and 1,274 GVA of transformation capacity is planned to be added (at 220 kV and above voltage level) during the ten year period from 2022-23 to 2031-32.

3. Promotion of Renewable Energy Generation:

• Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges have been waived for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025, for Green Hydrogen Projects till December 2030 and for offshore wind projects till December 2032.
• Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar, Wind, Wind-Solar Hybrid and Firm &Dispatchable RE (FDRE) projects have been issued.
• Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) are regularly inviting bids for procurement of RE power.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been permitted up to 100 percent under the automatic route.
• To augment transmission infrastructure needed for steep RE trajectory, transmission plan has been prepared till 2032.
• Laying of new intrastate transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity has been funded under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power.
• Scheme for setting up of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power projects is being implemented to provide land and transmission to RE developers for installation of RE projects at large scale
• Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Programme on High Efficiency Solar Dharti Aabha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JGUA), National Green Hydrogen Mission, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Offshore Wind Energy Projects have been launched
• To encourage RE consumption, Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) followed by Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) trajectory has been notified till 2029-30. The RCO which is applicable to all designated consumers under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 will attract penalties on non-compliance.
• “Strategy for Establishment of Offshore Wind Energy Projects” has been issued.
• Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) has been launched to facilitate sale of Renewable Energy Power through exchanges.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been launched to achieve the objective of localisation of supply chain for solar PV Modules.

The State-wise detail of Power Supply Position in the country in terms of Energy for the year 2022-23 and 2023-24.

State/ System / Region	April, 2022 –  March, 2023				April, 2023 –  March, 2024
	Energy Requirement	Energy Supplied	Energy not Supplied		Energy Requirement	Energy Supplied	Energy not Supplied
	( MU )	( MU )	(MU)	( % )	(MU)	( MU )	(MU)	( % )
Chandigarh	1,788	1,788	0	0	1,789	1,789	0	0
Delhi	35,143	35,133	10	0	35,501	35,496	5	0
Haryana	61,451	60,945	506	0.8	63,983	63,636	348	0.5
Himachal Pradesh	12,649	12,542	107	0.8	12,805	12,767	38	0.3
Jammu & Kashmir	19,639	19,322	317	1.6	20,040	19,763	277	1.4
Punjab	69,522	69,220	302	0.4	69,533	69,528	5	0
Rajasthan	1,01,801	1,00,057	1,745	1.7	1,07,422	1,06,806	616	0.6
Uttar Pradesh	1,44,251	1,43,050	1,201	0.8	1,48,791	1,48,287	504	0.3
Uttarakhand	15,647	15,386	261	1.7	15,644	15,532	112	0.7
Northern Region	4,63,088	4,58,640	4,449	1	4,76,852	4,74,946	1,906	0.4
Chhattisgarh	37,446	37,374	72	0.2	39,930	39,872	58	0.1
Gujarat	1,39,043	1,38,999	44	0	1,45,768	1,45,740	28	0
Madhya Pradesh	92,683	92,325	358	0.4	99,301	99,150	151	0.2
Maharashtra	1,87,309	1,87,197	111	0.1	2,07,108	2,06,931	176	0.1
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	10,018	10,018	0	0	10,164	10,164	0	0
Goa	4,669	4,669	0	0	5,111	5,111	0	0
Western Region	4,77,393	4,76,808	586	0.1	5,17,714	5,17,301	413	0.1
Andhra Pradesh	72,302	71,893	410	0.6	80,209	80,151	57	0.1
Telangana	77,832	77,799	34	0	84,623	84,613	9	0
Karnataka	75,688	75,663	26	0	94,088	93,934	154	0.2
Kerala	27,747	27,726	21	0.1	30,943	30,938	5	0
Tamil Nadu	1,14,798	1,14,722	77	0.1	1,26,163	1,26,151	12	0
Puducherry	3,051	3,050	1	0	3,456	3,455	1	0
Lakshadweep	64	64	0	0	64	64	0	0
Southern Region	3,71,467	3,70,900	567	0.2	4,19,531	4,19,293	238	0.1
Bihar	39,545	38,762	783	2	41,514	40,918	596	1.4
DVC	26,339	26,330	9	0	26,560	26,552	8	0
Jharkhand	13,278	12,288	990	7.5	14,408	13,858	550	3.8
Odisha	42,631	42,584	47	0.1	41,358	41,333	25	0.1
West Bengal	60,348	60,274	74	0.1	67,576	67,490	86	0.1
Sikkim	587	587	0	0	544	543	0	0
Andaman- Nicobar	348	348	0	0.12914	386	374	12	3.18562
Eastern Region	1,82,791	1,80,888	1,903	1	1,92,013	1,90,747	1,266	0.7
Arunachal Pradesh	915	892	24	2.6	1,014	1,014	0	0
Assam	11,465	11,465	0	0	12,445	12,341	104	0.8
Manipur	1,014	1,014	0	0	1,023	1,008	15	1.5
Meghalaya	2,237	2,237	0	0	2,236	2,066	170	7.6
Mizoram	645	645	0	0	684	684	0	0
Nagaland	926	873	54	5.8	921	921	0	0
Tripura	1,547	1,547	0	0	1,691	1,691	0	0
North-Eastern Region	18,758	18,680	78	0.4	20,022	19,733	289	1.4
All India	15,13,497	15,05,914	7,583	0.5	16,26,132	16,22,020	4,112	0.3

The State-wise detail of actual Power Supply Position in the country in terms of Energy for the years 2024-25 and the current year 2025-26 (uptoDecember, 2025).

State/	April, 2024 –  March, 2025				April, 2025 –  December, 2025
System /	Energy Requirement	Energy Supplied	Energy not Supplied		Energy Requirement	Energy Supplied	Energy not Supplied
Region	( MU )	( MU )	( MU )	( % )	( MU )	( MU )	( MU )	( % )
Chandigarh	1,952	1,952	0	0	1,509	1,509	1	0.0
Delhi	38,255	38,243	12	0	31,011	31,004	7	0.0
Haryana	70,149	70,120	30	0	55,932	55,867	65	0.1
Himachal Pradesh	13,566	13,526	40	0.3	10,295	10,259	36	0.3
Jammu & Kashmir	20,374	20,283	90	0.4	14,874	14,862	12	0.1
Punjab	77,423	77,423	0	0	60,852	60,811	41	0.1
Rajasthan	1,13,833	1,13,529	304	0.3	82,782	82,782	0	0.0
Uttar Pradesh	1,65,090	1,64,786	304	0.2	1,29,271	1,29,245	26	0.0
Uttarakhand	16,770	16,727	43	0.3	12,634	12,585	49	0.4
Northern Region	5,18,869	5,17,917	952	0.2	4,00,371	4,00,135	236	0.1
Chhattisgarh	43,208	43,180	28	0.1	31,484	31,475	8	0.0
Gujarat	1,51,878	1,51,875	3	0	1,18,066	1,18,066	0	0.0
Madhya Pradesh	1,04,445	1,04,312	133	0.1	75,024	75,017	7	0.0
Maharashtra	2,01,816	2,01,757	59	0	1,49,339	1,49,330	9	0.0
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	10,852	10,852	0	0	8,437	8,437	0	0.0
Goa	5,411	5,411	0	0	4,085	4,085	0	0.0
Western Region	5,28,924	5,28,701	223	0	3,96,482	3,96,458	24	0.0
Andhra Pradesh	79,028	79,025	3	0	59,580	59,574	6	0.0
Telangana	88,262	88,258	4	0	61,137	61,130	7	0.0
Karnataka	92,450	92,446	4	0	67,697	67,687	9	0.0
Kerala	31,624	31,616	8	0	22,947	22,945	2	0.0
Tamil Nadu	1,30,413	1,30,408	5	0	99,673	99,664	10	0.0
Puducherry	3,549	3,549	0	0	2,693	2,690	3	0.1
Lakshadweep	68	68	0	0	54	54	0	0.0
Southern Region	4,25,373	4,25,349	24	0	3,13,762	3,13,724	38	0.0
Bihar	44,393	44,217	176	0.4	37,299	37,283	15	0.0
DVC	25,891	25,888	3	0	18,590	18,587	3	0.0
Jharkhand	15,203	15,126	77	0.5	11,717	11,711	6	0.1
Odisha	42,882	42,858	24	0.1	34,037	34,032	5	0.0
West Bengal	71,180	71,085	95	0.1	56,921	56,888	32	0.1
Sikkim	574	574	0	0	378	378	0	0.0
Andaman- Nicobar	425	413	12	2.9	316	299	17	5.5
Eastern Region	2,00,180	1,99,806	374	0.2	1,58,986	1,58,924	62	0.0
Arunachal Pradesh	1,050	1,050	0	0	909	909	0	0.0
Assam	12,843	12,837	6	0	10,973	10,973	0	0.0
Manipur	1,079	1,068	10	0.9	863	861	3	0.3
Meghalaya	2,046	2,046	0	0	1,542	1,542	0	0.0
Mizoram	709	709	0	0	559	559	0	0.0
Nagaland	938	938	0	0	772	772	0	0.0
Tripura	1,939	1,939	0	0	1,523	1,523	0	0.0
North-Eastern Region	20,613	20,596	16	0.1	17,227	17,224	3	0.0
All India	16,93,959	16,92,369	1,590	0.1	12,86,829	12,86,465	363	0.0

This Information was given by The Minister of State in the Ministry of Power, Shri Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Ocean container and logistics provider CMA CGM today raised $2.4 billion to accelerate investments in its maritime port terminals, which span 10 global properties including the U.S. facilities Los Angeles Fenix Marine Services and Port Liberty terminals in New York and Bayonne.

CMA CGM raised the money by creating a joint venture with the New York-based infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak to manage those properties, and selling a 25% minority stake in the business to Stonepeak itself.

CMA CGM will retain full operational control of the joint venture, called United Ports LLC. The company said it plans to reinvest the money in the continued growth of core businesses, while expanding supply chain capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for state-of-the-art shipping and logistics solutions across sea, land, air and logistics.

The French container company had acquired the New York and New Jersey terminals in 2023 and announced a $600 million upgrade plan to expand their capacity and allow larger ships to dock there.

The full United Ports portfolio currently includes 10 assets: Los Angeles Fenix Marine Services (United States), Port Liberty terminals in New York and Bayonne (United States), Santos terminals (Brazil), CSP Valencia and CSP Bilbao (Spain), Terminal Maritima del Guadalquivir (Spain), TTI Algeciras (Spain), Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (India), CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal (Taiwan), and Gemalink in Cai Mep (Vietnam).

However, it could grow larger since the joint venture may raise additional funds to acquire new terminal projects in the U.S. and globally, CMA CGM said. As part of the transaction, Stonepeak will have the opportunity to contribute an additional $3.6 billion in funding for future joint terminal projects.

“Container terminals play an essential role in global trade and are among the most difficult to substitute or replicate transportation infrastructure assets,” said James Wyper, Senior Managing Director, Head of U.S. Private Equity, and Head of Transportation & Logistics at Stonepeak. “This joint venture represents a truly differentiated opportunity to invest in a high-quality portfolio of strategically located terminals alongside one of the largest and most respected shipping and logistics groups in the world. We look forward to working closely with CMA CGM’s expert team to support this critical infrastructure.”

The European Council has formally adopted plans for a phased ban of Russian gas imports starting from March.

BEVs represented 35% of the total Chinese car market in December. We saw plugins score another million-plus sales in December, reaching a record 1.34 million units (in a 2.26-million-unit overall market, down a harsh 14% YoY). Last month’s result put plugin vehicles’ market share at 59%, with BEVs reaching 35% ... [continued]

The post (Another) Record Month for EV Sales in China! appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Earlier today, I wrote about the 8 electric cars that actually saw their sales increase quarter over quarter in the USA in the highly difficult 4th quarter, as well as the 11 electric cars that saw their 4th quarter sales increase year over year. Much more interesting to me, though, ... [continued]

The post 32 Electric Vehicles Increased in Sales in 2025 in USA appeared first on CleanTechnica.

In Short : JSW Energy posted a strong financial performance in the third quarter, with net profit rising more than twofold to ₹420 crore. The growth was driven by improved operating performance, higher generation, capacity additions, and better realisations, reflecting the company’s strengthening position across thermal, renewable, and energy transition-focused businesses.

In Detail : JSW Energy delivered a robust financial performance in the third quarter, reporting a more than twofold increase in net profit to ₹420 crore. The sharp rise highlights the company’s improving operational efficiency and the benefits of its diversified power generation portfolio amid a supportive demand environment.

Improved operating performance across key assets played a significant role in driving profitability. Higher plant availability and better utilisation levels helped boost overall generation, enabling the company to capitalise on strong power demand during the quarter.

Capacity additions and the scaling up of renewable energy assets also contributed positively to earnings. As more projects move into the operational phase, JSW Energy is benefiting from increased generation volumes and a growing share of stable, long-term contracted revenues.

Favourable power market conditions and improved realisations further supported the company’s financial results. Better pricing dynamics, combined with disciplined cost management, helped expand margins and strengthen the bottom line during the quarter.

Thermal power assets continued to provide stability, particularly during periods of peak demand. At the same time, the growing contribution from renewable energy is helping balance the portfolio and reduce exposure to fuel and regulatory risks over the long term.

The company’s focus on energy transition segments, including renewable power and storage, is gradually strengthening its growth outlook. Strategic investments in clean energy capacity are positioning JSW Energy to align with India’s evolving power mix and sustainability goals.

From a balance sheet perspective, improved profitability enhances the company’s ability to fund ongoing and future projects. Strong cash flows support capital expenditure plans while maintaining financial discipline and credit strength.

The strong quarterly performance also reflects the benefits of JSW Energy’s long-term strategy of portfolio diversification, operational excellence, and prudent risk management. These factors have helped the company navigate market volatility while delivering consistent growth.

Overall, the more than twofold jump in Q3 net profit to ₹420 crore underscores JSW Energy’s improving fundamentals and execution strength. With rising demand, expanding capacity, and a clear focus on clean energy, the company appears well positioned to sustain growth and play a key role in India’s power sector transformation.

In Short : At the third Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) meeting in Kochi, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the government approved projects worth over ₹1,500 crore to accelerate green mobility, strengthen cargo transport logistics, and expand river tourism on India’s inland waterways. Key initiatives include new terminals, hybrid vessels, cruise jetties, and infrastructure upgrades across multiple states.

In Detail : “IWDC Platform Reinforces Centre-State Push for Inland Water Transport Development:” Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

IWDC Clears ₹900-Crore New Inland Waterway Projects

₹465-Crore Asset Procurement Approved to Enhance Inland Water Transport Capacity

New Delhi, 23 January 2026: The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) concluded in Kochi, Kerala, with a comprehensive roadmap to expand India’s inland water transport network, approve major infrastructure investments, and strengthen Centre–State coordination to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s rivers.

Chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the day-long meeting was also attended by Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Sharwan Kumar, Minister of Transport, Government of Bihar; K. G. Kenye, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Nagaland; Ojing Tasing, Minister of Rural Development, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Daya Shankar Singh, Minister of Transport, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Barinder Kumar Goyal, Minister of Water Resources, Government of Punjab. The meeting marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards strengthening inland water transport as a key pillar of sustainable and efficient logistics.

IWDC 3.0 identified projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore, aimed at accelerating green mobility, strengthening multimodal logistics and promoting river-led economic development. Foundation stones were laid for projects exceeding ₹150 crore, including river cruise jetties in Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana, supporting the expansion of cruise tourism circuits across the country.

The council was apprised about the development of Ro-Ro and cargo terminals at Muktyala and Harishchandrapuram on the Krishna River (NW4) in Andhra Pradesh, which will strengthen cargo movement. Onshore facilities on the Jhelum River (NW49) in Jammu and Kashmir were also approved to support passenger movement and tourism infrastructure. A total of 10 hybrid electric vessels will be deployed on NW 49 in Jammu & Kashmir.

Asset procurement worth over ₹465 crore was also announced to enhance navigability, safety and year-round operations. These include survey vessels in Kerala; Ro-Pax berthing jetties in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal; floating pontoons and quick-opening mechanisms in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal; hybrid survey vessels; amphibian and cutter suction dredgers; and tug-barge units.

The council was appraised about the major new projects worth over ₹900 crore, including development of a slipway facility at Kochi, construction of 110 jetties across Odisha (25) and the Northeast (85), and implementation of the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRTNS) in Maharashtra, development of a ₹70-crore cruise terminal at Uzan Bazar Ghat in Guwahati and a ₹144-crore approach road connectivity project to the Bogibeel River Port in Dibrugarh on Brahmaputra (NW-2).

Addressing the council, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that inland waterways have emerged as a strategic pillar of India’s transport and logistics transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given special impetus to inland waterways, which has eased congestion on roads, reduced logistics costs and strengthened ease of doing business. Today, under the visionary leadership of Modi ji, inland waterways have become a strategic pillar of India’s multimodal logistics framework. Guided by this vision, rivers are no longer viewed merely as natural resources but as economic lifelines driving growth, sustainability and connectivity,” he said.

Kerala’s vast backwater and canal network was highlighted as a major opportunity for inland waterways. The council also noted about the initiative of IWAI for conducting feasibility study for urban water transport in 18 cities including Guwahati, Varanasi, Patna, Tezpur, Dibrugarh and beyond.

Kerala emerged as a key focus area at IWDC 3.0 with a series of major announcements aimed at strengthening inland water transport and logistics in the state. The Jal Vahak cargo promotion scheme is being explored to be expanded to other National Waterways including Kerala, offering reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating expenditure incurred on cargo movement through inland waterways. The scheme is expected to encourage private participation by enabling cargo owners to hire vessels operated by entities other than IWAI or ICSL, making it particularly attractive for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, trade bodies and operators handling bulk and containerised cargo. Valid initially for three years, the initiative will help optimise supply chain networks and enhance the commercial viability of water-based logistics. At IWDC, it was also announced the commencement of Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Services on commercially viable stretches to demonstrate the readiness of waterways as an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mode of cargo transport. The Kerala package also includes the development of river cruise jetties and the induction of one survey vessel, further strengthening the state’s capacity for passenger movement, tourism and safe navigation.

The meeting reiterated that inland waterways remain the most fuel-efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transport, helping reduce carbon emissions, decongest roads and railways, and lower overall logistics costs. River cruise tourism was identified as one of the fastest-growing segments of the maritime economy, with the government developing modern cruise terminals, improved navigation systems and dedicated cruise circuits.

“Under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s inland waterways are emerging as a powerful multiplier of green growth, digital transformation and tourism-led development. With rapid expansion in cargo movement, passenger services and cruise tourism, our rivers are becoming engines of sustainable mobility and economic opportunity. By integrating clean energy vessels, smart navigation systems and world-class passenger infrastructure, we are unlocking the full potential of waterways to reduce logistics costs, cut emissions and create new livelihoods. The success of initiatives such as the Kochi Water Metro shows how rivers can transform urban mobility, and we are committed to replicating this model across cities including Guwahati, Varanasi, Patna, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, ensuring that India’s waterways drive inclusive growth on the path to Viksit Bharat,” Sonowal added.

Special emphasis was placed on the Northeast region, where waterways projects are expected to significantly boost connectivity, trade, tourism and livelihoods of riverine communities. The government plans to develop 85 jetties across the Northeast with an investment exceeding ₹500 crore, strengthening regional logistics integration.

“The Northeast holds a central place in India’s inland waterways vision. With its vast river network, the region has the potential to emerge as a major hub for sustainable transport, trade and tourism. The development of 85 jetties with an investment of over ₹500 crore will significantly strengthen connectivity, integrate regional logistics and create new livelihood opportunities for riverine communities. Inland waterways will not only bring the Northeast closer to national markets but also unlock its role as a gateway for growth, prosperity and regional integration,” said Sarbananda Sonowal.

The meeting reviewed the sector’s rapid expansion over the past decade. Cargo movement on national waterways has increased from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25, while the number of operational national waterways has grown tenfold from 3 to 32. The number of luxury river cruise vessels has increased from 5 to 25, highlighting the growing confidence of industry, investors and state governments. The number of operational terminals has gone from 15 to 25, and floating jetties from 30 to 100.

The council reaffirmed the government’s forward-looking priorities, including the deployment of green and hybrid vessels, expansion of digital navigation and traffic management systems, development of modern inland terminals, strengthening of shipbuilding and ship-repair facilities, and promotion of maritime skill development. The meeting also featured detailed deliberations on building resilient urban water transport systems, improving cargo transport efficiency, promoting green and hybrid vessels for passenger movement, expanding river cruise tourism and strengthening digital and sustainable practices. Regulatory issues and concerns raised by states regarding ongoing and proposed inland water transport projects were reviewed, with an emphasis on expediting execution through coordinated efforts. IWDC 3.0 builds on the foundations laid during IWDC 1.0 in 2024 and IWDC 2.0 in 2025, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology-driven solutions and accelerated project execution.

The meeting was also attended by Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW; Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson, IWAI; Sunil Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman, IWAI among other senior officials of the central and state governments, industry representatives and experts to review progress made since IWDC 1.0 and 2.0 and chart the next phase of growth for inland waterways. The day-long meeting reviewed sectoral achievements, announced major investments and projects and laid out a forward-looking roadmap for the development of inland waterways across the country.

IWDC 3.0 concluded with a shared commitment by the Centre and states to scale up inland water transport, strengthen regional connectivity, promote cleaner transport solutions and position rivers as engines of economic growth. The meeting reaffirmed inland waterways as a preferred, future-ready mode of transport for both cargo and passengers, contributing to cleaner transport, smarter logistics and a stronger India.

India’s inland waterways continue to play a crucial role in decongesting road and rail networks by offering a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. With 111 national waterways spread across 23 states and four union territories, inland waterways are increasingly supporting initiatives such as Ro-Ro vehicle movement and cruise tourism. IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, remains the nodal agency responsible for the development, maintenance and regulation of national waterways.