Kolkata: The bulk cargo movement through national waterways one was inaugurated by Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan here today.
Flagging off coal barges weighing 2100 DWT (deadweight tonnage) meant for NTPC plants, Vasan underlined the importance of inland waterways transport, saying it was economical, environment friendly and most suitable for bulk cargo movement.
“IWAI is developing the first three national waterways namely NW-1 (on the Ganga), NW-2 (Brahmaputra) and NW-3 (West Coast Canal system) for shipping and navigation by providing navigational channel with targeted depth and width for most part of the year,” he said.
It is also the first time when a private entrepreneur has made substantial investment in the development of Inland Waterways Ltd in the country.
