EVENT : CONSULTATION WORKSHOP ON INLAND WATER TRANSPORT (IWT) CONDUCTED FOR THE STATES OF UP, BIHAR, JHARKHAND & WEST BENGAL IN PATNA

TTT NEWS NETWORK

PATNA | 19 JUNE 2025

A successful Consultation Workshop on the Development of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Sector in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal was organized on 16th June 2025 in Patna by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

The event brought together key dignitaries, including  Union Ministers, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, State Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials from the participating states. The session began with cultural performances, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries and a detailed presentation by Mr. Vijay Kumar, Chairman, IWAI, on the development initiatives and roadmap for IWT.

Significant milestones included the exchange of State Support Agreements (SSAs) with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, marking a step forward in cooperative development. Addresses by eminent dignitaties such as Mr. Samrat Chaudhary ( Deputy Chief Minister of  Bihar), Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha ( Deputy Chief Minister of  Bihar), Mr. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary ( Minister of Water Resources of Bihar), Smt. Sheela Kumari ( Transport Minister of  Bihar), Mr. Daya Shankar Singh ( Minister of Transport of  Uttar Pradesh), Mr. Manas Ranjan Bhunia (Hon’ble Minister of Irrigation & Waterways of West Bengal government ), Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad ( Member of Parliament) Mr. Giriraj Singh ( Union Minister of Textile of government of India), and Mr. Amrit Lal Meena (Chief Secretary of Bihar) underscored the unified commitment toward harnessing inland waterways for economic and ecological benefits.

A special message was shared by the  Chief Minister of Bihar, followed by a short film on JMVP and NW-1, and the concluding address by  Union Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasizing the Ministry’s vision for integrated and sustainable waterway connectivity.

After the inauguration, three key sessions were held focusing on the strategic development of Inland Water Transport:

1. Infratracture Development,
2. Centre-State Coordination & Regulatory Policy,
3. Cargo/Passenger/Cruise Movement.

The session concluded with a shared vision for integrated and sustainable IWT development.