On 14 March 2026, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti provided an update on the status and development of Inland Water Transport (IWT) in Punjab, specifically focusing on the Sutlej River which has been declared as National Waterway-98 (NW-98).
Bridge at Sunni in Himachal Pradesh to the Harike Barrage in Punjab, the waterway acts as a primary mechanic for regional connectivity, passing through critical areas like the Rupnagar District. Currently, a high-fidelity feasibility study costing ₹2.82 crore is underway to assess technical, hydrological, and environmental constraints, with the final report expected by May 2026.
This study serves as a functional prerequisite for the Maritime India Vision 2030, providing a roadmap for the construction of jetties and terminals designed to mechanically support the transport needs of MSMEs and farmers while reducing logistics costs.
Key Pillars of the NW-98 (Sutlej River) Strategy
National Waterway-98 Designation: Identifying the Sunni (HP) to Harike (Punjab) stretch as a vital corridor for inland navigation.
Feasibility Investment: Allocating ₹2.82 crore to mechanically evaluate the river’s capacity for commercial cargo and passenger movement.
Infrastructure Mapping: Planning for the high-fidelity provision of jetties, terminals, and technical support systems based on hydrographic findings.
Inter-State Connectivity: Bridging the logistics gap between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab through a high-performance riverine transport system.
What is the "Maritime India Vision 2030"? Maritime India Vision 2030 is a ten-year blueprint launched by the government to overhaul the nation's maritime sector and inland waterways. It operates on the mechanical theory of "Logistics Efficiency"; by developing National Waterways like NW-98, it acts as a primary mechanic for shifting bulk cargo from congested roads to cost-effective water routes. The preparation of feasibility reports, such as the one currently assessing the Sutlej River, is a functional prerequisite for the vision's success. These reports ensure that investments in jetties and terminals are high-fidelity and environmentally sustainable, ultimately aiming to increase the share of inland water transport in India's modal mix to support global trade competitiveness.
Policy Relevance: Transforming Punjab's Agricultural & Industrial Logistics
Operationalising "NW-98": The ongoing feasibility study serves as a primary mechanic for the Ministry of Jal Shakti to transition the Sutlej River from a natural resource into a commercial transport artery.
Bypassing Mountainous Logistics Gaps: Developing the Sunni-Harike stretch is a prerequisite for ensuring that cargo from Himachal Pradesh can mechanically reach Punjab's markets via a safer, cheaper water route.
Link to Farmer Welfare: Leveraging the waterway for agricultural transport is a foundational step in ensuring that farmers can access larger markets with high-fidelity, low-cost logistics support.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How should the IWAI define the success parameters for the May 2026 report to ensure the Sutlej River mechanically maintains the required depth for commercial barges during the lean season?
Follow the Full Release Here: Inland Water Transport in Punjab
