The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways recently released the blueprint for the Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to increase the share of inland transport. The vision comprises 150 initiatives across ten themes, including port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, technology, policy framework, shipbuilding, coastal shipping, inland waterways, cruise tourism, marine ecosystem, and maritime security.
India’s Maritime Sector
India has a significant maritime sector, with 12 major and 200+ non-major ports located along its 7500 km long coastline and a vast network of navigable waterways. The country’s maritime sector plays a crucial role in its overall trade and growth, with 95% of the country’s trade volume and 65% of the trade value being undertaken through maritime transport.
India has two ports, JNPT and Mundra, in the list of top 40 global container ports and globally the country ranks 2nd in ship recycling and 21st in shipbuilding. The country has increased the modal share of cargo from 0.5% to 2% and witnessed a 19% year-on-year growth in cargo volumes over the last five years.
Inland Water Transport
Inland water transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains, and fertilizer. There is a need to push for IWT mode as these are cheaper operating costs, relatively lesser fuel consumption, less polluting mode of transportation, and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Initiatives for Growth of Traffic on National Waterways
The government has taken several initiatives to increase the growth of traffic on National Waterways (NWs). Some of these include fairway development works, development of new national waterways, Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax service commenced in various national waterways, revision of levy & collection of fees, and digital solutions for ease-of-doing business.
Fairway Development Works
The fairway development works ensure the Least Available Depth (LAD) of 3.0 meters in Haldia-Barh, 2.5 meters in Barh-Ghazipur, and 2.2 meters in Ghazipur-Varanasi stretches on NW-1. These are progressing under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), which has been undertaken by IWAI with technical and financial assistance from the World Bank.
Development of New National Waterways
IWAI has identified 25 new NWs through techno-economic feasibility studies for undertaking technical interventions to make the waterways navigable for transportation purposes. Once ready, these new waterways will provide an alternate mode of transportation in respective geographies.
Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax Service Commenced in Various National Waterways
The operation of Ro-Ro / Ro-Pax vessels in Neamati and Kamalabari (Majuli), Guwahati and North Guwahati besides along Wellingdon Island and Bolghaty.
Revision of Levy & Collection of Fees
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has considered the waiver of waterway user charges initially for a period of three years.
Digital Solutions for Ease-of-Doing Business
The CAR-D (Cargo Data) Portal is a web-based portal for the collection & compilation, analysis, and dissemination of all cargo and cruise movement data of National Waterways to the stakeholders.
Key Challenges of Maritime Sector in India
India’s maritime sector faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, regulatory hurdles, skill gaps, environmental concerns, and security challenges.
Why In News
The initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint and congestion on highways by promoting water transportation as a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative.To achieve the target, the government plans to invest in the development of inland waterways infrastructure
MCQs on Challenges Facing India’s Maritime Sector
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What is the modal share of cargo transported through maritime transport in India?
A. 95%
B. 75%
C. 50%
D. 25%
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What is the rank of India in ship recycling globally?
A. 1st
B. 2nd
C. 3rd
D. 4th
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What is the significance of inland water transport (IWT) in India?
A. It is the most economical mode of transportation for bulk cargo
B. It is the fastest mode of transportation
C. It is the most environmentally harmful mode of transportation
D. It is the least efficient mode of transportation
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What are some challenges faced by India’s maritime sector?
A. Inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, regulatory hurdles, skill gaps, environmental concerns, and security challenges
B. Insufficient cargo volumes, high operational costs, lack of technology adoption, and piracy
C. Limited capacity, lack of government support, high competition, and low profitability
D. Shortage of skilled labor, lack of innovation, high insurance costs, and political instability
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