In India, the government has identified 23 river systems out of 111 national waterways to develop for cargo and passenger vessel movement. These river systems were chosen based on their feasibility for navigation. The National Waterways (NWs) are declared under the National Waterways Act of 2016 to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India.

History of National Waterways

The Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System (Allahabad to Haldia) was the first NW declared in 1986. Recently, NW-68 between Panjim to Vasco on Mandovi River in Goa was completed. India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. However, inland waterways contribute only around 2% in India’s internal freight movement.

Benefits of Inland Water Transport

IWT has many benefits, including being eco-friendly and cheaper (less fuel consumption per tonne-km) than other modes of transportation. Inland waterways also provide better connectivity to the hinterland, require relatively less maintenance, and reduce pollution of air, water, and noise.

Challenges with Inland Water Transport

There are several challenges with IWT, such as the absence of storage facilities, a limited number of vessels, inadequate inland ports and logistics systems, and low technology adaptation. These challenges need to be addressed to make IWT a more viable and efficient mode of transportation.

Initiatives for Inland Waterways Development

To overcome the challenges mentioned above, the government has taken several initiatives for inland waterways development, including:

  1. Establishment of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986: The IWAI is responsible for the development and maintenance of national waterways for IWT.
  2. Inland Vessels Act, 2021 replaces Inland Vessels Act, 1917: The new act aims to provide a regulatory framework for inland vessels and make IWT safer and more efficient.
  3. River Cruise Tourism on NWs: The government has promoted river cruise tourism on NWs to attract more tourists and generate revenue.
  4. PANI (Portal for Asset & Navigation Information) platform for river navigation and infrastructure information: The PANI platform provides real-time information on river navigation and infrastructure, making it easier for vessel operators to navigate the waterways.
MCQs on Developing 23 River Systems for Cargo and Passenger Vessels in India
  1. What is the purpose of the National Waterways Act, 2016 in India?
    A. To promote tourism in India
    B. To improve road transport in India
    C. To promote Inland Water Transport in India
    D. To develop coastal shipping in India
    Correct Answer: C. To promote Inland Water Transport in India
    Explanation: The National Waterways Act of 2016 was enacted to promote and develop the inland waterways system in India.
  2. What are the benefits of Inland Water Transport in India?
    A. Cost-effective and eco-friendly
    B. Require high maintenance
    C. Increase pollution of air, water, and noise
    D. Have limited connectivity to the hinterland
    Correct Answer: A. Cost-effective and eco-friendly
    Explanation: Inland Water Transport is a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation in India. It requires relatively less maintenance and reduces pollution of air, water, and noise.
  3. Which of the following initiatives was enacted to make Inland Water Transport safer and more efficient in India?
    A. Establishment of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
    B. River Cruise Tourism on NWs
    C. PANI platform for river navigation and infrastructure information
    D. Inland Vessels Act, 2021
    Correct Answer: D. Inland Vessels Act, 2021
    Explanation: The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 was enacted to provide a regulatory framework for inland vessels and make IWT safer and more efficient in India.

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