Current Status of Waterways

7.4.2 Current Status of Waterways

Description

Quick Overview

This section discusses the importance, classification, and current status of transportation, particularly focusing on waterways in India.

Standard

The section highlights the role of various transport systems in India, particularly emphasizing waterways as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transport. It also details the classification of roads, railways, and waterways, shedding light on their significance for trade and economic development.

Detailed

Current Status of Waterways

Transportation, encompassing the movement of goods and services, is crucial for economic development. Efficient transport infrastructure supports trade across land, water, and air. In India, waterways, railways, and roadways play interlinked roles in facilitating internal and external trade.

Classification of Transport

Transport can be categorized into:
- Land Transport: Involves roadways and railways.
- Water Transport: Essential for bulky goods, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
- Air Transport: The fastest but most expensive.

Waterways in India, spanning approximately 14,500 km, with 5,685 km navigable by mechanized vessels, facilitate significant trade, particularly with international connections through maritime ports.

Key Points on Waterways

  • National Waterways: Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra have been declared national waterways, highlighting their importance in trade.
  • Major Sea Ports: India hosts 12 major ports, crucial for foreign trade, handling 95% of the country’s trade volume.

In summary, waterways are a vital component of India's transportation framework, providing cost-effective solutions, enhancing trade potential, and supporting the nation's economy.

Key Concepts

  • National Waterways: Important rivers designated for navigation to enhance trade.

  • Inland Waterways: Navigable routes within the country that facilitate transport of goods.

  • Sea Ports: Key facilities for international trade impacting the economy.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Water flows deep and wide, carrying goods with much pride.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once a merchant had goods to trade, he chose a ship for the journey made, for the sea held treasures vast, in waterways his fortune cast.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'WAGS' for Waterways, Air, Goods, Ship.

🎯 Super Acronyms

LAWS

  • Land
  • Air
  • Water
  • Sea transport.

Examples

  • The Ganga river is utilized for transport along National Waterway No.1 in India, facilitating trade from Allahabad to Haldia.

  • Mumbai is the largest port in India, handling a significant share of the country's trade volume due to its natural harbor.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Waterways

    Definition:

    Rivers or channels through which ships and boats can travel.

  • Term: Inland Waterways

    Definition:

    Navigable rivers, canals, and lakes used for transportation.

  • Term: National Waterways

    Definition:

    Specific waterways declared by the government for development and navigation.

  • Term: Sea Ports

    Definition:

    Facilities located on the coastline for loading and unloading ships.