Government Enhances Inland Waterways for Logistics and Signs Strategic Agreement with Rhenus Group.

National | Dated: 09 May 2025

In May 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rhenus Group, a global logistics major based in Germany, to strengthen India's inland waterways infrastructure.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - This MoU enables Rhenus Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. to launch scheduled barge operations on key National Waterways (NWs) across India.
  • - The collaboration is aimed at integrating global best practices to modernize and enhance the Indian Inland Water Transport (IWT) ecosystem.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Under the MoU, Rhenus will progressively introduce 100 barges, beginning with 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase. The operations are expected to handle over 1 million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.
  • (ii) The MoU will also promote scheduled barge services and introduce innovative Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) solutions, with an eye toward long-term scalability and operational efficiency across India’s National Waterways.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which global logistics company signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to boost India's inland waterways sector?

Correct Answer: Rhenus Group

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways

  • Cabinet Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
  • Headquarters: New Delhi