In order to develop waterways from Kakinada to Chenna, detailed hydrographic survey has been completed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in respect of Kakinada to Ennore stretch of National Waterway-4.
Development of National Waterway-4 is planned in three phases. Development of Phase-I works between Vijayawada to Muktyala stretch of Krishna River has been taken up at a cost of USD 14 mln out of which USD 2.62 mln has been utilized so far.
Vijayawada to Kakinada and Rajamundry to Polavaram portion of NW-4 is planned for development in Phase-II. Tendering process has been undertaken by the IWAI for a comprehensive hydrographic and navigation study for this stretch.
On completion of Phase I and II, the balance stretches of NW-4 are planned for development in Phase III.
The Government of India is working to develop inland waterways as an alternative mode of transport in the country, which is cleaner and cheaper than both road and rail transport. There are 111 National Waterways in the country today, after 106 waterways were declared as National Waterways, adding to the list of 5 existing NW, in 2016.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is working on developing the new National Waterways and enhancing their navigational potential. The development work is preceded by a feasibility study which inter-alia covers the potential of navigability, cargo availability, cost of development etc.of the NW concerned.
Work is then initiated on waterways that are found feasible for development. As per the feasibility reports completed so far, 36 NWs have been found to be technically viable. Out of these 36 NWs, developmental activities have been initiated on the following 8 NWs in 2017-18.