Budget 2026-27: Odisha Gets National Waterway 5 Boost

New Delhi, Feb 1:  Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced that 20 new waterways will be operationalised over the next five years, beginning with National Waterway 5 in Odisha. The corridor will connect mineral-rich regions such as Talcher and Angul, along with industrial hubs like Kalinganagar, to the Paradip and Dhamra ports, she said.

The initiative is expected to significantly boost the movement of coal, minerals and industrial goods, enhancing Odisha’s role as a logistics and industrial powerhouse. By linking inland regions with major ports, the government aims to reduce transport costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen India’s export competitiveness.

In addition, the Finance Minister revealed plans to establish ship repair ecosystems in Varanasi and Patna to support inland waterway operations. These hubs will provide maintenance and repair facilities, creating new employment opportunities and strengthening the inland shipping sector.

Also Read: Union Budget 2026: Odisha Among Four States To Host Rare Earth Hubs

The announcement was made during the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, which marks Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget, a record in independent India. The focus on waterways reflects the government’s broader strategy to diversify transport infrastructure, reduce dependence on road freight, and promote sustainable logistics.

Odisha’s National Waterway 5 is expected to be a flagship project, integrating industrial clusters with maritime gateways and positioning the state as a critical node in India’s inland water transport network.