Bhubaneswar, Aug. 12 (UDN): Odisha is poised to strengthen its inland connectivity and river-based tourism as the Centre plans to develop two additional National Waterways in the state during 2027-28.
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The proposed corridors are NW-22, covering the Birupa–Badi–Genguti–Brahmani river system, and NW-96 on the Subarnarekha River. Their inclusion comes under the Centre’s five-year roadmap to expand inland water transport and develop new waterways for passenger movement and cruise tourism.
According to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the development of these routes is part of a broader plan to add 19 National Waterways to the development pipeline between 2026-27 and 2030-31.
Two New Corridors for Odisha
The proposed development of the Birupa–Badi–Genguti–Brahmani river system could improve the use of Odisha’s interconnected waterways for passenger transportation, ferry services and tourism.
The Subarnarekha-based NW-96 is expected to provide another potential inland transport corridor in northern Odisha, opening opportunities for river-based connectivity and tourism activities.
The Centre’s latest initiative places particular emphasis on cruise tourism and passenger ferry operations, creating scope for Odisha to develop new tourism experiences along its river networks.
111 National Waterways Declared Across India
India currently has 111 declared National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. However, only 32 waterways are operational for cargo and passenger transportation.
The government has indicated that its priority is to develop waterways that have already been declared and found feasible before expanding the network further.
Boost for Odisha’s River Tourism
The proposed waterways could have implications beyond transportation. Odisha’s extensive river network offers potential for river cruises, passenger ferries, waterfront tourism and new tourism circuits.
Development of the corridors may also generate demand for supporting infrastructure, including jetties, terminals, passenger facilities and tourism-related services.
The cruise tourism component could be particularly significant as Odisha looks to diversify its tourism economy beyond its traditional coastal, religious and heritage destinations.
National Expansion in Phases
The Centre’s five-year roadmap envisages phased development of waterways across several states from 2026-27 to 2030-31. While the first phase includes routes in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Goa, Odisha is among the states identified for development in 2027-28.
The details were shared by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
With two Odisha corridors now part of the upcoming development pipeline, the initiative could give a fresh push to the state’s inland connectivity, passenger transport and river-based tourism economy.