Rivers atlas
The Ganga carries freight too.
India’s rivers and canals moved a record tonnage last year. Here is where they flow.
- 145.5 MT moved on National Waterways FY2024-25 · +9.34% · PIB
- 111 National Waterways declared National Waterways Act, 2016
- 29 operational for cargo up from 24 · PIB
- 2,660 km Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route IWAI
The rivers
Six waterways, by length
Why it matters to our customers
The river states are where our trucks deliver
3,96,258
consignments our road network delivered into Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Bengal and Assam in a year. It is the same belt NW-1 and NW-2 serve.
Frequently asked questions
How much cargo moves on India’s National Waterways?
A record 145.5 million tonnes in FY2024-25, up 9.34%; operational waterways rose from 24 to 29 (PIB). Bulk dominates: coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand and fly ash made up over 68%.
How many National Waterways are there?
111 were declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
What is the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route?
Agreed river routes through Bangladesh linking Kolkata with Assam: 2,660 km in all (868 km in India), with 13 ports of call on each side (IWAI).
Does SSL run barges?
No. The waterway leg is arranged by our desk; our trucks carry cargo to and from the river terminals.
Bulk to the east? Ask about the river.
For coal, steel, cement or project cargo, our desk checks the waterway and our trucks close both ends.