The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has identified 14 national waterways in Maharashtra, with seven deemed suitable for development after feasibility assessments.

These waterways, covering a total navigable stretch of 662.97 km, are expected to significantly boost inland water transport (IWT) in the state. The waterways cleared for development include the Godavari River, Arunavati–Aran system, Dabhol Creek–Vashishti River, Kalyan–Thane–Mumbai waterway, and several others. Maharashtra already plays a pivotal role in India’s IWT network, with six waterways in the state accounting for 45.35 percent of the country’s total IWT cargo movement in 2024-25. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is providing support to encourage cargo and passenger movement.

The development aligns with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, which focuses on improving port-led industrial growth, enhancing coastal and riverine logistics, and reducing logistics costs. The policy aims to strengthen regional economic development across Maharashtra’s coastal districts.