NOC - Cross Structure is a statutory clearance issued by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for any construction activity proposed across, over, or within a National Waterway. This approval is mandatory under the provisions of the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985 and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (Classification of Inland Waterways India) Regulations, 2022. The primary objective of this clearance mechanism is to ensure that infrastructure development does not adversely affect navigational safety, channel stability, or the operational efficiency of inland water transport.
National Waterways are categorized into different classes (Class I to Class VII) based on parameters such as minimum navigational depth, channel width, bend radius, and vertical and horizontal clearances. When any agency-whether a government department, public sector undertaking, or private entity-plans to construct a bridge, flyover, transmission line, pipeline, jetty, intake structure, conveyor belt, or similar cross structure over a waterway, prior approval from IWAI is required. This ensures that the proposed structure maintains the prescribed navigational clearances and does not obstruct vessel movement.
Through the NOC-Cross Structure online portal, applicants can submit proposals, upload technical drawings, provide structural and hydraulic details, and track the status of their applications. IWAI evaluates each proposal with reference to waterway classification norms, navigational high flood levels, and safety standards. The regulations also provide a defined timeframe for processing applications, thereby promoting transparency and efficiency.
| Objective |
The objective of the scheme is to :
i. Digitize, streamline, and speed up the process of applying for and issuing NOCs reducing paperwork and manual steps.
ii. Ensure transparency and accountability in the NOC grant process by having an online workflow visible to applicants.
iii. Provide a centralized online system where users can submit applications, track status, and receive certificates electronically, instead of relying on offline submissions.
For Registration and avail benefits Go to :
https://noc.bisag-n.gov.in/NOC Structure/login
The NOC Portal (Jal Samriddhi) of IWAI has been developed to facilitate online applications for developmnent and operation of inland waterway Jetties/terminals on National Waterways.The portal has been launched pursuant to the notification of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, issued under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985, with the approval of the Government of India.
These regulations aim to:
i. Enable private, public, and joint venture entities to develop terminals on National Waterways.
ii. Streamline approval processes through digitisation.
iii. Promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
iv. Enhance cargo movement and reduce logistics costs.
The regulations apply to all National Waterways declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016, excluding areas under ports governed by the Indian Ports Act, 1908 and the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.
| Objective |
The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate establishment of jetties and terminals by various entities, including private, public, and joint ventures, on national waterways across the country.These regulations open new opportunities for private sector to participate in infrastructure creation on NWs and thus improve overall logistics efficiency :
i. Promote Private Participation
ii. Streamline Approval Mechanism
iii. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
iv. Strengthen Inland Water Transport (IWT)
| Application Process |
Follow the steps below to apply for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for construction of the jetties/terminals on National Waterways :
a. Register on the NOC Portal
b. Login and upload the required documents with the application fee
c. Submit the online application form
d. Download the certificate
For Registration Go to :
https://noc.iwai.nic.in
| Application Criteria |
The following entities shall be eligible for jetty I terminal development and operation under these regulations, namely :
| a. | Any individual or partnership firm having Permanent Account Number, Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (in case of sole proprietorship firm) and registration with Goods and Services Tax. |
| b. | A company registered in India under the Companics Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) |
| c. | An organization created under any Central Act or State Act |
| d. | Any autonomous body, company, public sector undertaking or trusts or boards managed or controlled by the State Government or the Central Government, local authorities (like municipal corporations, zila panchayats, gram panchayats, etc.) or other statutory organizations. |
| e. | An entity registered as a co-operative society under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912 (2 of 1912) or a trust under Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (2 of 1882). |
| f. | A joint venture or consortium of any of the above. |
| Requisite Documents |
Applicants must upload the following documents during the online application process :
| a. | Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable) |
| b. | PAN Card of the applying entity |
| c. | GST Registration Certificate |
| d. | Business Registration Documents (Certification of incorporation, notification regarding incorporation / registration of Trusts or Boards or any local authority) |
| e. | Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)(for existing operators) |
| f. | Authorization Letter or Board Resolution (Copy of the Board resolution or such other document evidencing approval of the competent authority of the applicant to submit the present application I copy of the authorisation letter or power of attorney in favour of the authorised representative submitting the application on behalf of the applicant.) |