The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is implementing a comprehensive system to make India’s inland waterways safer and more reliable for vessel movement. The initiative combines continuous surveys of river conditions, new navigation infrastructure including India’s first riverine lighthouses, and digital platforms that provide real-time information to ship operators and authorities.
India has 111 National Waterways spanning 20,187 km across 23 States and 4 Union Territories, of which 32 are operational. Cargo movement on these waterways has grown dramatically from 29 million metric tonnes in 2014–15 to 218 million metric tonnes in 2025–26, already exceeding the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 million metric tonnes.
Key facts
- India has 111 National Waterways totalling 20,187 km across 23 States and 4 Union Territories
- Cargo movement grew at 20.13 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate from 2014–15 to 2025–26
- Hydrographic surveys now cover 22 National Waterways on regular schedules (weekly, fortnightly or monthly)
- Four riverine lighthouses launched on Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) at Pandu, Bogibeel, Silghat and Biswanath Ghat with ₹74-crore investment
- Lighthouses will have 20-metre height, 14 nautical miles geographical range and 8–10 nautical miles luminous range
- Electronic Navigational Charts prepared for 18 operational and tidal waterways as of September 2026
- River Information Services implemented on Ganga (National Waterway-1) across three stretches with 4 control stations and 13 base stations
- National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) is 891 km long, carrying cargo from tea, coal and fertiliser supply chains
- Cargo on Brahmaputra increased from 0.90 million metric tonnes in FY 2024–25 to 1.29 million metric tonnes in FY 2025–26
How hydrographic surveys strengthen navigation
Hydrographic surveys measure river depths, bed profiles, underwater hazards and seasonal changes that affect how deep a vessel can travel. The Inland Waterways Authority of India conducts these surveys regularly across National Waterways to understand conditions that are invisible from the surface.
A critical output is the Least Available Depth, which is the minimum water depth in a navigation channel at any given time. This directly determines what size vessels can safely travel through that stretch and how much cargo they can carry. Survey frequency varies by waterway. Regular thalweg surveys, which identify the deepest navigable channel, now cover 22 National Waterways. The Indian portion of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, which enables cargo movement between the two countries, is also monitored under this system.
Navigation aids and the Brahmaputra lighthouses
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 recognises devices and systems that help vessels navigate safely. These include buoys, radar beacons, channel markers and lighthouses. The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships maintains these aids along India’s coastline and is responsible for training on navigation systems.
In March 2026, India announced its first four riverine lighthouses on the Brahmaputra, a significant development for inland navigation. The lighthouses at Pandu, Bogibeel, Silghat and Biswanath Ghat will rise 20 metres above ground and provide navigational reference points visible up to 14 nautical miles away. Their luminous range of 8–10 nautical miles will support night-time vessel movement. Powered entirely by solar energy, the lighthouses will include weather-observation sensors to provide safety-relevant information. The ₹74-crore project will also feature public facilities such as museums, amphitheatres, cafeterias and children’s play areas.
National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) stretches 891 km from Dhubri to Sadiya, the longest navigable stretch of any Indian waterway. It carries cargo for tea, coal and fertiliser supply chains. The lighthouses will support 24-hour navigation on this growing route.
Digital platforms for real-time navigation
Electronic Navigational Charts have been prepared for 18 operational and tidal waterways as of September 2026. These digital charts are uploaded on platforms like PANI (Portal for Asset and Navigation Information) and IWAI Vessel Tracker, making river data accessible to mariners.
PANI provides information about National Waterways, associated assets, fairways, infrastructure facilities, jetty connectivity and emergency services on a single platform. The IWAI Vessel Tracker provides real-time vessel tracking, updated navigation routes and depth information through web and mobile applications.
Naudarshika, the National River Traffic and Navigation System launched in 2025, provides real-time Least Available Depth information to support navigation decisions and enable safe, efficient vessel movement.
River Information Services take digital navigation further by combining vessel tracking, weather sensors, water-level sensors and communication systems. On National Waterway-1 (Ganga), RIS operates across three stretches from Haldia to Varanasi with 4 control stations, 13 base stations, Automatic Identification System equipment, Very High Frequency communication and meteorological sensors. Thirty departmental vessels have been equipped with RIS consoles to receive real-time traffic information.
What this means for you
If you operate vessels or work in cargo logistics, these systems provide more reliable navigation information, reducing delays and improving safety. Mariners can now access real-time depth charts and weather updates through mobile platforms before and during voyages. For businesses moving goods by water, improved navigation infrastructure means lower transport costs and reduced delays on routes like the Brahmaputra and Ganga, which handle coal, fertiliser, tea and other bulk goods. The expansion of digital charts to 18 waterways and new lighthouse infrastructure on the Brahmaputra makes round-the-clock operations more feasible on previously challenging routes. Tourism also benefits, as the Brahmaputra lighthouse complexes will include public facilities and visitor areas.
What happens next
The riverine lighthouses on Brahmaputra are under construction. River Information Services are being implemented on additional waterways beyond the current Ganga network. Hydrographic surveys will continue on a regular schedule to keep navigation data current, with survey frequency adjusted based on individual waterway conditions.