7.4.2. Current Status of Waterways

Since the ancient period, India was one of the seafaring countries. Its seamen sailed far and near, thus, carrying and spreading Indian commerce and culture.

Waterways have been a significant mode of transportation for India for thousands of years. This historical context highlights how Indians used rivers and seas for trade and exploration, contributing to the spread of their culture and commerce. It's essential to understand that waterways are not only a means of transport but also a way through which cultural exchanges occur.

Imagine using the internet to send emails and share photos. Just like how the internet connects us and allows cultural exchange in today's digital age, waterways allowed ancient sailors to connect with other cultures through trade.

Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. It is a fuel-efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.

One of the most remarkable aspects of waterways is their cost-effectiveness. Transporting goods via water often costs less than through roads or railways, especially when dealing with heavy and bulky items. This is because water transport requires less fuel and resources, making it eco-friendly as well. In a time of growing environmental awareness, this benefit is substantial.

Think of shipping a large bulk of potatoes using a truck versus a larger cargo ship. The ship not only uses less fuel per item transported but also has a larger capacity, which reduces overall costs.

India has inland navigation waterways of 14,500 km in length. Out of these only 5685 km are navigable by mechanised vessels. The following waterways have been declared as the National Waterways by the Government.

India's inland waterways span a considerable length, but not all of it is navigable by larger mechanized boats. Out of the 14,500 km, only about 5,685 km can accommodate such vessels. The government has identified specific waterways for national importance to improve trade and transport efficiency. Knowing which stretches are most relevant helps in the strategic development of transport infrastructure.

Consider a winding river that can only be sailed by small boats in some areas but has stretches where large ships can dock. Think about how that limits or helps communities along the river: larger ships mean more goods can come and go, boosting the local economy.

• The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km)-N.W. No.1 • The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri (891 km)-N.W. No.2 • The West-Coast Canal in Kerala (205 km) – N.W. No.3 • Specified stretches of Godavari and Krishna rivers along with Kakinada Puducherry stretch of canals (1078 km) – N.W. No.4 • Specified stretches of river Brahmani along with Matai river, delta channels of Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers and East Coast Canal (588 km) – N.W. No.5

Each of these listed waterways plays a vital role in facilitating trade and transportation in their respective regions. The Ganga river, for instance, is crucial for the movement of goods across northern India. By identifying these waterways as 'national waterways', the government emphasizes their importance in boosting the economy and addressing regional needs.

Think of highways built to connect major cities across a country; these waterways serve similar functions but for maritime transport. Just as highways eliminate traffic and speed up travel, waterways reduce congestion on roads, allowing for efficient trade.

Apart from these, India’s trade with foreign countries is carried from the ports located along the coast. 95 percent of the country’s trade volume (68 percent in terms of value) is moved by sea.

A significant portion of India’s international trade relies on its maritime routes. This statistic highlights the critical role that ports play in India's economy—facilitating both import and export activities. Understanding this dependency aids in grasping the logistics of trade and the importance of maintaining efficient port operations.

Imagine planning a vacation to a distant country. You'd likely take a flight or a ship—whichever is faster and cheaper. Similarly, businesses depend on ships to transport goods across oceans, and the effectiveness of ports can speed up or delay an entire trading operation.

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