The Indian government has identified inland waterways as a critical component for improving national logistics efficiency. Currently, waterways account for approximately 2% of total freight movement in the country. Under the framework of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the Jalvahak scheme, authorities aim to increase this share to 5% by the year 2030.

The strategy focuses on addressing 'last-mile' connectivity challenges, which have historically hindered the adoption of river-based transport. By integrating waterway infrastructure with broader multi-modal logistics networks, the government intends to reduce the high cost of domestic logistics, which remains a significant burden on the Indian economy compared to global benchmarks. The PM Gati Shakti initiative serves as a digital platform to coordinate infrastructure projects across various ministries, aiming to eliminate bottlenecks that have previously stalled inland navigation projects. Meanwhile, the Jalvahak scheme is designed to facilitate the operational aspects of river transport, ensuring that vessels can navigate routes reliably.

While the government maintains that these initiatives will provide a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to road and rail transport, the transition requires substantial investment in dredging, terminal construction, and vessel modernization. The success of these programs depends on the seamless integration of river ports with road and rail networks to ensure that goods can reach their final destinations without excessive handling costs.