Navigation of inland vessels is ongoing on River Ganga [National Waterway-1 (NW-1) Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System] from the Haldia to Varanasi.

Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is the World Bank assisted project for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1 (NW-1) passing through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. 

The implementation of JMVP envisages creation of more than 1.3 lakh direct and indirect employment. Under JMVP, fairway, navigational aids, 

community jetties and terminals have already been developed with the purpose to energize socio-economic development along banks of River Ganga. 

These facilities are aimed at inclusive growth by improving livelihood of people living along banks of River Ganga & nearby regions by providing simple logistics solutions. 

Fifty-three (53) community jetties have already been commissioned along NW-1 shall benefit farmers, mallah, fishermen, local traders, horticulturists, artisans, etc. by providing employment opportunities.

Cost for a ship to navigate on the river Ganga from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to Haldia, West Bengal depends upon the size, draft, engine capacity, cargo load, river current etc.