The Government of Karnataka, on December 11, 2025, issued a notification publishing the draft Karnataka Inland Vessels Rules, 2025 in exercise of powers conferred under Section 5(6) and Section 107 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. The draft rules are released for public information and stakeholder consultation, with objections or suggestions invited within 15 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, to be addressed to the Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department.
The draft rules lay down the application, scope, and definitions governing inland vessels registered in Karnataka, categorising them into mechanically propelled, special category, and non-mechanically propelled vessels, and prescribing applicability of different chapters accordingly. They align State-level regulation with the Central Inland Vessels framework, expressly adopting and supplementing various Central Government Rules relating to design, construction, registration, manning, safety, pollution prevention, survey, certification, and navigation systems.
Further, the draft introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for survey, certification, registration, design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of inland vessels, including appointment of designated authorities, classification-based construction standards, zone-wise operational requirements, and prior approval for major modifications affecting safety or stability. The rules are proposed to come into force from the date of their final publication, strengthening uniformity, safety, and regulatory clarity for inland water transport in Karnataka.
[Notification No. IDD 180 PSP 2024]
