Amazon Seller Services and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have entered into an agreement to enhance cargo movement along the Ganga. A pilot program is scheduled to launch on the Patna-Kolkata water route.
Amazon India and IWAI Sign MoU to Boost Inland Waterways Cargo Movement
As part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IWAI to facilitate containerized cargo movement and establish a network for cargo shipment on inland waterways.
This initiative expands Amazon India’s supply chain to include navigable inland waterways spanning 14,500 km, encompassing rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. In addition to its dedicated air cargo network in India, launched in January with Amazon Air, this MoU signifies a significant move towards leveraging the potential of India’s inland water transport.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Cargo Movement: India’s Embrace of Inland Water Transport
The focus is on increasing cargo movement through river systems, recognized as a more sustainable and economical mode of transport. Water transport is acknowledged as one of the most environmentally friendly modes, consuming significantly less fuel compared to rail and road—18.5 percent and 91.6 percent less, respectively, according to a World Bank Report.
To bolster water transport in India, the government has initiated Sagarmala, comprising 113 projects valued at ₹7,030 crore, with a focus on RoRo/RoPax and Inland Water Transport. Ambitiously, the ministry aims to increase inland water transport volumes by over 200 MMT (million metric tons) by 2030 and surpass 500 MMT by 2047.
IWAI, founded in 1986, is a governmental body entrusted with developing, maintaining, and regulating inland waterways for shipping and navigation in India. Its primary objectives include upgrading water transport infrastructure and advocating for the utilization of inland waterways as an economical and eco-friendly means of transportation. Involved in key initiatives like Sagarmala, IWAI strives to enhance connectivity and streamline cargo transport across rivers, canals, and various inland water bodies.
