The Ministry of Shipping on 24th July 2020 has decided to waive waterway usage charges in order to promote inland waterways as a supplementary, eco-friendly and cheaper mode of transport. Charges are waived initially for three years.
Currently, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) levies waterway usage charges at a rate of Rs 0.02 per gross registered tonnage (GRT) per kilometer for plying of Inland cargo vessels and Rs. 0.05 per gross registered tonnage (GRT) per kilometer for plying of Cruise vessels on national waterways.
Further, the Decision of waiving waterway charges will attract the industries to use the national waterways for their logistical needs. As the mode of transport is eco-friendly and cheaper, it will not only reduce the burden on other transport modes but also promote the ease of doing business.
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