The National Waterways Act, 2016

This edition of The National Waterways Act, 2016 (Act 17 of 2016, dated 26-3-2016) serves as an authoritative and updated legal reference for policymakers, maritime authorities, transport planners, legal practitioners, and researchers engaged in inland water transport and infrastructure development in India.

The book presents the bare text of the law—precisely as enacted—without commentary or interpretation, making it ideal for statutory referencing, academic use, and institutional compliance. It ensures readers have direct access to the provisions of the Act as they stand, facilitating accurate understanding and implementation.

The content spans the full scope of the Act, including:

• Declaration of 111 inland waterways across India as national waterways

• Provisions for the regulation and development of these waterways for shipping and navigation

• Integration of multiple earlier legislations on national waterways into a single statute

• Roles and responsibilities of the Central Government in planning, development, and maintenance

• Coordination with State Governments for infrastructure creation and operational management

• Regulatory powers for environmental protection, safety standards, and navigation aids

• Facilitation of public-private partnerships and funding mechanisms for projects

• Transitional provisions for repeal and replacement of earlier specific waterways Acts

• Miscellaneous provisions relating to rule-making, enforcement, and penalties

This edition is particularly suitable for:

• Law students and academicians studying transport, maritime, or environmental law

• Legal practitioners advising on infrastructure, transport, or environmental compliance

• Government officers and policymakers in shipping, waterways, and port management

• Maritime industry professionals and investors exploring inland water transport opportunities

• Researchers and analysts examining legislative frameworks for sustainable transport

Whether used in academic study, policy planning, or infrastructure development projects, this edition delivers the complete legislative authority of The National Waterways Act, 2016, as applicable in 2023.