A joint venture between the Infrastructure Architecture Lab of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Boston-based Thompson Design Group has entered into a contract with the Inland Waterways Authority of India, a government body responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
The U.S.-based consultants will identify suitable locations for the construction of 18 ferry terminals in six cities of India: Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Munger, Kolkata and Haldia, and prepare detailed project reports and tender documents for these 18 terminals.
The development of waterways is part of the government’s plan to enable transportation of cargo through inland waterways so that road and rail networks are not over burdened. There is also the added benefit that this plan will be cost effective and environment friendly.
“The consultants will take into account commercial and passenger characteristics of each city with a goal of integrating transportation networks and facilities to each city,” the office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, said.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
