Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday decided on the measures to fast-track the development and use of inland waterways, which in turn will ease pressure on rail and road infrastructure. The move involves both the public and private sector enterprises.

For Barh thermal power project in Bihar, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has agreed to carry three million metric tonnes of coal through the inland waterways.
According to a PMO release, a tripartite agreement has been signed between the NTPC, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and a private developer, has led to competitive transportation rates for the public sector power utility company.
The release said private sector investment of about `650 crore has been committed with regard to the Farakka Power Project in West Bengal. The waterways will be used to transport coal imported by NTPC for its power plants.
At a meeting chaired by principal secretary to the Prime Minister Pulok Chatterjee, it was decided that the execution of coal handling facility at Jogighopa and rail connectivity would be taken up under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme.