"Andhra Pradesh Unveils Plan to Utilize Waterways for Industrial Cargo Transportation"

In a strategic move to capitalize on its vast network of 57 rivers and 975-km coastline, Andhra Pradesh is set to revolutionize cargo transportation through its national waterways. The AP Inland Waterways Authority (APIWA) has unveiled initiatives aimed at easing cargo movement for major industries in the state, particularly in the thriving cement and power plant sectors.

D. Dilip Kumar, Board Chairman of APIWA, highlights the state's immense potential for logistics development along its waterways. Two major projects have been formulated to facilitate the movement of domestic and export-import cargo from cement and power plants through national waterways, with the modalities currently under consideration.

Presently, a significant portion of freight transportation in the state relies on railways. However, Andhra Pradesh's intricate network of waterways provides a cost-effective and alternative mode of transport. The national waterways in the state include the Godavari river-Krishna canal system, Penna river, and the Tungabhadra river.

Efforts are underway to enhance connectivity, linking clusters of cement factories in Muktyala and Jaggaiahpet with Kakinada and Machilipatnam ports through the Krishna river. Additionally, connectivity for cement factories and power plants in the Kadapa region is set to be augmented.

With the potential to transport nearly 14 million tonnes per annum cargo, including coal, cement, gypsum, and bauxite, Krishnapatnam port is envisioned to be linked with the inland water transport system along the Penna river.

Upcoming projects include roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ferry services at various locations and water-bound tourism circuits across multiple rivers and waterbodies. Feasibility studies for these projects are in advanced stages.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh moves about 8 million tonnes of cargo per annum through inland water transport. The state's strategic utilization of its waterways aligns with India's broader efforts to leverage its 14,500 km of navigable waterways for efficient and environmentally friendly cargo transport, currently accounting for 55 million tonnes per annum nationwide.

HBL