India’s inland waterways, an integral part of the nation’s transportation network, have played a significant role in its economic development and cultural history. With a network spanning over 14,500 kilometers of navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks, India’s inland waterways provide a vital mode of transportation for both goods and passengers across various regions. The Ganges-Brahmaputra river system, the Godavari, the Krishna, and the West Coast Canal are among the major waterways that facilitate trade and commerce, connecting remote areas to urban centers and ports. Historically, these waterways have been lifelines for trade, fostering cultural exchanges and the growth of civilizations along their banks. Today, with growing infrastructure and modernization efforts, India’s inland waterways are experiencing a resurgence, offering cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient transportation alternatives. Government initiatives such as the National Waterways Act aim to enhance the navigability and utilization of these water bodies, unlocking their immense potential to drive economic growth, alleviate congestion on roads and railways, and promote sustainable development across the nation. As India continues to harness the potential of its inland waterways, it stands poised to realize substantial economic and logistical benefits while preserving its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
India’s Inland Waterways:
Extensive Network:
- India boasts an extensive network of inland waterways, including rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks, with a total navigable length of 14,500 km.
Navigable Length:
- Out of the total navigable length, approximately 5,200 km of rivers and 4,000 km of canals can be utilized by mechanized crafts.
Underutilization of Waterways:
- Despite the vast network, freight transportation through inland waterways in India is underutilized compared to other large countries like the United States, China, and the European Union.
Cargo Movement Statistics:
- The total cargo moved by inland waterways in India, measured in tonne kilometres, accounts for only 0.1% of the total inland traffic. In contrast, the United States sees 21% of its traffic through inland waterways.
Regional Utilization:
- Cargo transportation in an organized manner is more prevalent in specific regions such as Goa, West Bengal, Assam, and Kerala.
Cost Efficiency:
- Water transportation in India is cost-effective, with the cost being around 50 paise per kilometer. In comparison, railways and roads cost approximately ‘1 and ‘1.5 per kilometer, respectively.
Recent Emphasis:
- In recent times, there has been a significant emphasis on water transportation due to its cost advantages.
Prominent Inland Waterways:
- Key inland waterways in India include the Ganges (Ganga) Bhagirathi-Hooghly rivers, the Brahmaputra, the Barak river, rivers in Goa, backwaters in Kerala, inland waters in Mumbai, and the deltaic regions of the Godavari-Krishna rivers.
Cargo Movement Statistics:
- Approximately 44 million tonnes of cargo are moved annually through these waterways using mechanized vessels and country boats.
Cost Comparison:
- The cost of water transportation in India is notably lower at 50 paise per kilometer compared to railways and roads, making it an attractive option.
Attention to Water Transportation:
- Due to its cost efficiency, water transportation has gained significant attention recently, leading to increased efforts to leverage India’s inland waterways for freight movement.
Inland Waterways and National Waterways Act 2016:
National Waterways Act 2016:
- In 2016, the National Waterways Act came into effect, declaring 106 additional inland waterways as national waterways, in addition to the existing five.
Role of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
- The declaration of these national waterways empowers the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to develop feasible stretches for shipping and navigation. However, the rights over the use of water, riverbed, and land remain with the respective state governments.
Coverage of Rivers:
- The legislation includes plans to convert rivers into waterways in various states, including West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Telangana.
Prominent National Waterways:
- Notable national waterways declared include Allahabad-Haldia on the Ganga (1,620 km), Brahmaputra’s Dhubri-Sadiya (891 km), West Coast Canal Kottapuram-Kollam (205 km), Kakinada-Puducherry canals (1,078 km), and East Coast Canal integrated with Brahmani river and Mahanadi delta rivers (588 km).
Economic Development and Cost Efficiency:
- The act recognizes the crucial importance of waterways in the economic development of the country. Trade through waterways constitutes only 3.5% of India’s total, but inland water development is cost-effective. It is stated that inland waterways cost only 30 paise to move cargo, compared to ‘1.5 through road and Re 1 by rail.
Environmental Considerations:
- The act emphasizes the environmental-friendliness of inland waterways, highlighting their role in protecting riverine ecology, fisheries, and addressing pollution issues.
Interlinking Key Issues:
- Tool for Industrial Development:
- Waterways play a vital role in the competitive edge of key industries globally, facilitating cost-effective inbound and outbound shipments. This positive chain effect benefits non-waterway regions through competitive pricing of end-products.
- Tool for Economic Growth:
- In densely populated industrial areas, inland waterways prevent traffic gridlock during economic growth, contributing to sustainable transport, regional development, and tourism.
- Tool for Sustainable Development:
- Inland waterway transport contributes to reduced negative externalities, benefiting biodiversity and integrated water management. The approach aligns with the government’s focus on sustainable development.
Social and Environmental Benefits:
- The social and environmental benefits of inland water transport are significant, including reduced fuel consumption, fewer accidents on roads, de-congested highways, and cheaper travel opportunities for riverine communities. Fishing can become a viable livelihood option, and reduced untreated sewage into rivers is anticipated.
Economic and Job Creation:
- Inland waterways contribute to the creation of business opportunities, jobs, and public benefits such as recreation, while also providing drainage and community benefits.
Government Agenda:
- The government emphasizes the quantification and valuation of benefits, including those currently not measured, such as community benefits, drainage, and a sense of civic pride. Green transport opportunities play a role in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the government’s agenda.
Jal Marg Vikas:
Project Overview:
- Location: The Jal Marg Vikas project is developed on the river Ganga, covering a distance of 1620 km between Varanasi and Haldia.
- Depth and Vessel Capacity: The project aims to create a waterway with a depth of three meters, facilitating commercial navigation for large vessels weighing up to 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes.
Objectives:
- Promotion of Inland Waterways: The primary objective is to promote inland waterways as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transportation, especially for cargo movement.
- Implementing Agency: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the implementing agency for the project.
Key Components of the Project:
- Terminals:
- Construction of three multi-modal terminals (Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia).
- Two inter-modal terminals.
- Five roll-on-roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal pairs.
- Infrastructure Development:
- New navigation lock at Farakka in West Bengal.
- Assured depth dredging.
- Integrated vessel repair and maintenance facility.
- Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS).
- River Information System (RIS).
- Conservancy Works:
- River training and conservancy works are integral components of the project.
- World Bank Support:
- The project receives technical and investment support from the World Bank.
Timeline and Cost:
- The project is planned to be completed over a six-year period.
- Estimated cost: INR 4,200 crores.
Project Milestone (2018):
- In 2018, India achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the country’s first multi-modal terminal on the Ganga River at Varanasi.
- The terminal received the first container cargo transported on inland waterways from Kolkata.
The Jal Marg Vikas project represents a strategic initiative to leverage the Ganga River for enhancing cargo transportation, aligning with the government’s focus on promoting sustainable and efficient modes of transport.
FAQs
1. What are inland waterways in India?
- Inland waterways in India refer to the network of navigable rivers, canals, lakes, and backwaters used for transportation, primarily for cargo movement. These water bodies are designated and developed for efficient transportation, linking various regions of the country.
2. How many inland waterways does India have?
- As of the latest developments, India has designated 111 waterways for development and use for transportation purposes. These waterways span across several states and cover thousands of kilometers, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
3. What is the significance of India’s inland waterways?
- India’s inland waterways offer numerous advantages, including reducing transportation costs, easing road and rail congestion, promoting trade, boosting tourism, and facilitating industrial growth in hinterland areas. Moreover, they contribute to environmental sustainability by offering a fuel-efficient and low-emission mode of transportation.
4. How is India developing its inland waterways infrastructure?
- India is actively developing its inland waterways infrastructure through various projects, including dredging, constructing terminals, modernizing locks, and improving navigation aids. Additionally, the government is investing in fleet modernization, training programs, and policy reforms to promote the use of waterways for transportation.
5. What are some key projects on India’s inland waterways?
- Several key projects are underway to enhance India’s inland waterways infrastructure. The Jal Marg Vikas Project on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, National Waterway 1 (NW-1), is a significant initiative aimed at improving navigational efficiency and promoting cargo movement between Haldia and Varanasi. Similarly, projects on other waterways like the Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi are also in progress to harness the full potential of inland water transport.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
