New Delhi [India], August 1 (ANI): Cargo movement on national waterways in the country has recorded a 16 per cent yearly increase in 2022-23, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed Parliament in a written reply to a question on Tuesday.

The government was asked by a member whether there was any increase in traffic on national waterways in the past two years.

Also Read | Indian Independence Day 2023 Date: Know About the Significance and 15th of August Celebrations To Commemorate Nation’s Freedom From the British Rule.

The traffic between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia (NW-l) increased from 10.93 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 13.17 million tonnes in 2022-23, minister Sonowal said in his written reply to a specific question on the increase in traffic between Varanasi and Haldia.

The government was also asked whether any plan has been formulated to strengthen the infrastructure in view of increased traffic.

Also Read | AC Milan vs Barcelona, Club Friendly 2023 Live Streaming Online in India: How To Watch Pre-Season Football Match Live Telecast On TV & Football Score Updates in IST?.

The minister apprised the Rajya Sabha that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-l (NW-l) between Haldia-Varanasi (l390 km) at an estimated cost of Rs 4,633.8l crore. The objective of the project is to enhance the transport efficiency and reliability of National Waterways 1.

The project comprises of several components such as the development of multimodal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia; the intermodal terminal at Kalughat; navigational facilities, among others. (ANI) 

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)