7.4.1. Historical Context of Water Transport

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 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.

Water transport has played a critical role in India’s historical trade and commerce. Ancient seafarers used waterways to travel long distances, enabling trade with various regions and thus promoting cultural exchanges. Today, water transport remains essential because it is cost-effective, especially for transporting heavy and bulky items. Additionally, it has a lower environmental impact compared to other forms of transport, making it a sustainable choice.

Think of water transport like using a river to transport large amounts of gravel; it is far easier and less expensive to move by boat than to carry by truck on roads. Just like a river makes it easier to transport materials, waterways facilitate trade and transport across regions.

India has inland navigation waterways of 14,500 km in length. Out of these, only 5,685 km are navigable by mechanised vessels. The following waterways have been declared as the National Waterways by the Government...

While India boasts a vast network of inland waterways, only a portion is suitable for mechanised vessels. This hindrance limits the full potential of water transport for trade and transportation. The government has identified certain waterways as National Waterways, which are prioritized for development and maintenance to enhance their navigability, thereby promoting more efficient transport options.

Imagine having a wide river where only a small part can be used for boat transportation because of shallow areas. Just as authorities would focus on dredging and improving the navigable parts of the river, the government works to enhance specific waterways to optimize trade routes.

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

Ports play a vital role in facilitating international trade for India. As major gateways for imports and exports, they handle a significant proportion of the cargo, which is crucial for the economy. The statistics indicate that a vast majority of both the volume and value of trades occur through these maritime channels. This dependency on maritime routes exemplifies how critical efficient port operations and water transport are to India's economy.

Think of ports like highways for trade—if roads enable the movement of goods over land, ports do the same over water. Just as a busy highway can support many trucks at once leading to economic productivity, bustling ports support numerous ships, loading and unloading goods that contribute to the economy.

With a long coastline of 7,516.6 km, India is dotted with 12 major and 200 notified non-major (minor/intermediate) ports. These major ports handle 95 percent of India’s foreign trade.

India's extensive coastline allows for the establishment of many ports, crucial for facilitating trade. The major ports are equipped to handle large volumes of cargo that contribute significantly to foreign trade. By serving as the main points for incoming and outgoing shipments, these ports ensure that trade flows smoothly in and out of the country, supporting economic growth.

Consider major ports like the hubs in a wheel—the center connects all spokes, facilitating easy access and movement. Similarly, major ports connect India to the global market, allowing efficient transfer of goods to various destinations worldwide.

--