7.2.1. Inland Waterways

Waterways is an important mode of transport for both passenger and cargo traffic in India. It is the cheapest means of transport and is most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky material.

Inland waterways are a crucial transportation mode, particularly in regions with a lot of rivers and canals. They offer a cost-effective way to move both goods and people over long distances. Using waterways helps in transporting heavy items, which might be more expensive and complicated to move by road or rail due to costs and logistical challenges. This makes inland waterways a preferred choice for bulk cargo.

Think of inland waterways like a large highway across water. Just as trucks carry heavy loads on highways, ships and barges can transport vast amounts of goods on rivers. Imagine a cargo ship carrying tons of rice to different cities; this is much cheaper than using trucks, especially over long distances.

India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways, contributing about 1% to the country’s transportation. It comprises rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. At present, 5,685 km of major rivers are navigable by mechanised flat-bottom vessels.

Currently, India boasts a vast network of navigable waterways, which includes not only major rivers but also canals and backwaters. This system allows certain sections of these waterways to be accessible by machine-operated boats, enhancing their functionality for transporting goods. However, this means that only about 1% of overall transportation takes place via these waterways, highlighting room for growth and improvement.

Imagine having a long, winding river that runs through your city. If you could use boats instead of trucks to deliver goods directly to your neighborhood, it would save gas and reduce road traffic. In this way, waterways serve as a natural highway for goods, especially in regions where roads might not be as efficient.

For the development, maintenance and regulation of national waterways in the country, the Inland Waterways Authority was set up in 1986. The following waterways have been declared as the National Waterways by the Government.

To manage the inland waterways effectively, the Inland Waterways Authority of India was established. This authority is responsible for developing and maintaining national waterways, ensuring they are safe, navigable, and efficient for transportation. This governance is essential to facilitate trade, tourism, and local transport across regions that rely on waterways.

Think of the Inland Waterways Authority like a city’s highway department. Just like they maintain the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow, the Inland Waterways Authority does the same for our rivers and canals, making sure boats can travel safely and efficiently.

Table 7.3:1 National Waterways of India: NW 1, NW 2, NW 3, NW 4, NW 5.

India has identified and developed several major waterways as national waterways, each assigned a number. These include significant stretches like the Allahabad-Haldia stretch of the Ganges and others across important rivers. By designating these waterways as national, the government ensures they receive the necessary attention and funding for maintenance and improvements.

Think of it like the major roads on a map that are highlighted differently from smaller roads. These national waterways are crucial routes for transporting goods, similar to how highways are essential for car travel. When we focus on maintaining and improving these routes, we improve trade and connectivity across regions.

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