The Government of India has initiated steps to develop inland water transport in Punjab after the Sutlej River was declared National Waterway-98 (NW-98). The stretch runs from the bridge at Sunni in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh to the Harike Barrage in Punjab and passes through Rupnagar district.
A feasibility study for developing this waterway is currently underway and is expected to be completed by May 2026. The government has sanctioned ₹2.82 crore for conducting the study.
The report will assess the potential for waterway infrastructure, including jetties, terminals, and navigation facilities, while also examining technical, hydrological, and environmental aspects of the project.
Preparation of the feasibility report marks the first step under the Maritime India Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at expanding inland water transport networks across the country.
According to the government, once development begins based on the study’s recommendations, the project is expected to benefit the general public, farmers, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by improving connectivity and providing an alternative transport route.
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