Back to overview
NW-4

Godavari–Krishna & Connected Canal System

A composite east-coast and inland system combining stretches of the Godavari and Krishna rivers with the Kakinada, Eluru, Commamur and Buckingham canals. It is the second-largest cargo-carrying waterway in the country, and development is partial.

Andhra PradeshTelanganaTamil NaduPuducherryChhattisgarhKarnatakaMaharashtraGodavariKrishnaKakinada CanalEluru CanalCommamur CanalBuckingham Canal
Key Facts
Length
2,890 km
Composite system; see length variantsFY 2024-25MoPSW
River / canal system
Godavari, Krishna, Kakinada, Eluru, Commamur and Buckingham canals
Cargo moved, FY 2024-25
10.40 MT
FY 2024-25MoPSW
Route

NW-4 Route Map

Key stops along the waterway corridor.

Kakinadaport
Rajahmundrycity
Elurucity
Vijayawadacity
Chennaiport
Puducherrycity
Technical

Navigational Depth

Target depths by stretch. Values are project targets, not uniform across the entire waterway.

Godavari and Krishna stretches
Not separately disclosed in official sources.
Varies by season
Infrastructure

Facilities & Fixtures

Navigation, cargo handling, storage and connectivity infrastructure on this waterway.

Selected jetties and landing points
Canal locks on Buckingham Canal sections
Road connectivity to the NH-16 corridor
Terminal facilities under development
Commodities

Cargo Transported

Major commodities moved on this waterway.

Building materialsAgricultural produceCoalFertilizersBulk minerals
Development

Projects & Initiatives

Government projects and development programmes on this waterway.

Phased development of NW-4

Stretch-wise feasibility, fairway and terminal development studies under IWAI; several sections require restoration of canal navigability.

Source
Obstacles

Challenges

Key operational and structural challenges on this waterway.

Canal sections silted or encroached
Water sharing with irrigation demand
Numerous low bridges and cross-regulators
Limited assured cargo base on some sections