What happened: IWAI-backed river tourism infrastructure on NW-4 (Krishna river)

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has developed Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) movement infrastructure and river-based tourism jetties on National Waterway (NW)-4 (Krishna river). The government’s stated aim is to support tourism, pilgrimage, and local livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions.

IWAI’s announced actions on NW-4 include Ro-Ro facilities, floating landing infrastructure, and ongoing planning through a Detailed Project Report (DPR) update.

Ro-Ro terminal at Muktyala (NW-4): IWAI developed a Ro-Ro terminal at Muktyala to facilitate Ro-Ro movement on NW-4.Four floating jetties for APTDC (handed over in 2024): IWAI constructed four (4) floating jetties and handed them over to Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) during 2024 for tourism activities.Ro-Ro terminal at Harishchandrapuram (work awarded): Works for construction of a Ro-Ro terminal at Harishchandrapuram in Andhra Pradesh have been awarded.Floating steel pontoons for Telangana region (work awarded): Supply and installation of three (3) floating steel pontoons has been awarded for tourism activities in the Telangana region of Krishna river (NW-4).NW-4 DPR updation targeting March 2027: IWAI entrusted the updation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of NW-4, covering Godavari river regions near Dharmapuri and adjoining areas. The stated target completion date is March 2027. Further course of action will follow based on DPR outcomes and recommendations.

Background and earlier position: what riverfront tourism needs

River tourism along inland waterways needs physical access points such as jetties and terminals for landing and boarding. Floating jetties and pontoons support tourism access at riverfront locations, while Ro-Ro terminals support planned movement and loading/unloading needs on the waterway.

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