Unlocking India's Inland Waterways: A Comprehensive Guide

In a nation as diverse and vast as India, transportation plays a pivotal role in connecting people, businesses, and regions. While road and rail networks are well-known, there exists a hidden gem within the country's landscape - inland waterways. Inland waterways in India encompass a network of rivers, canals, lakes, and backwaters that offer a unique mode of transportation, often overshadowed by their terrestrial counterparts.

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Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

The Inland Waterways Authority of India, commonly known as IWAI, serves as the regulatory body responsible for the development and management of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. Established in 1986, IWAI is instrumental in enhancing India's inland water transportation infrastructure.

What Are Inland Waterways?

Inland waterways encompass a diverse array of navigable water bodies within a country's boundaries. In India, this includes rivers, canals, creeks, and lakes that serve as conduits for transportation, trade, and commerce. These waterways offer an alternative means of moving goods and people efficiently.

The Longest Inland Waterway

India boasts an extensive network of inland waterways, and among them, the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system stands as the longest. Stretching from Prayagraj to Haldia, this waterway spans a remarkable 1620 kilometers, facilitating trade and transportation across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

List of Inland Waterways in India

India's vast landscape is adorned with numerous inland waterways, each with its own unique significance. Here's a glimpse of some of the notable national waterways in the country:

• NW – 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly): Prayagraj to Haldia, covering 1620 kilometers and traversing Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
• NW – 2 (Brahmaputra): Sadiya to Dhubri, extending over 891 kilometers in Assam.
• NW – 3 (West Coast Canal, Champakara Canal, and Udyogamandal Canal): Kottapuram to Kollam, covering 205 kilometers in Kerala.
• NW – 4 (Krishna and Godavari): Encompassing Kakinada–Puducherry stretch of canals, Kaluvelly Tank, Bhadrachalam–Rajahmundry, and Wazirabad–Vijayawada, this waterway spans 1095 kilometers across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
• NW – 10 (Amba River): Extending 45 kilometers in Maharashtra.
• NW – 83 (Rajpuri Creek): Covers 31 kilometers in Maharashtra.
• NW – 85 (Revadanda Creek – Kundalika River System): Encompasses 31 kilometers in Maharashtra.
• NW – 91 (Shastri River–Jaigad Creek System): Stretches over 52 kilometers in Maharashtra.
• NW – 68 (Mandovi – Usgaon Bridge to the Arabian Sea): Spans 41 kilometers in Goa.
• NW – 111 (Zuari– Sanvordem Bridge to Marmugao Port): Extending 50 kilometers in Goa.
• NW – 73 (Narmada River): Covers 226 kilometers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• NW – 100 (Tapi River): Spreads across 436 kilometers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• NW – 97 (Sundarbans Waterways): Connecting Namkhana to AtharaBankiKhal in West Bengal via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, this waterway spans 172 kilometers.

Study the article about National Waterways in India here!

The Pros of Inland Waterways

Inland waterways offer a host of advantages, making them an attractive mode of transportation:

• Cost Savings: Transportation costs are notably lower compared to road and rail.
• Fuel Efficiency: Waterway transport is highly fuel-efficient.
• Eco-Friendly: Waterways have a smaller environmental footprint.
• Reduced Congestion: They alleviate road and rail congestion, leading to fewer traffic-related issues.
• Economic Opportunities: Inland waterways open doors to various economic activities, including cargo transportation, cruises, tourism, and passenger travel.

The Cons of Inland Waterways

While inland waterways offer numerous benefits, they come with certain limitations:

• Speed Constraints: Water transport can be slower than other modes, making it less suitable for time-sensitive shipments.
• Limited Operating Area: Infrastructural constraints and waterway depth limit the operating area.
• No Door-to-Door Service: Waterways do not provide direct door-to-door cargo transportation.
• Weather-Dependent: Operations can be disrupted due to adverse weather conditions.

Government Initiatives and Policies

The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives and implemented policies to boost the development of inland waterways:

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985: This act established the IWAI, which plays a crucial role in infrastructure development on national waterways.
• The Indian Vessels Act of 1917 (as revised in 2007): This act addresses the survey and registration of inland vessels, pollution prevention, and more.
• Inland Water Transport Policy 2001: Encourages private sector participation in infrastructure development and fleet operations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.
• Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): This project focuses on enhancing navigation capacity along National Waterway-1 (NW-1), stretching along the river Ganga. Supported by the World Bank, it is slated for completion by March 2023.
• Project Arth Ganga: Aiming to revitalize economic activities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, Project Arth Ganga involves constructing small jetties along the Ganga River, boosting local economies.
• The National Waterways Act of 2016: This act designates 111 rivers, river sections, creeks, and estuaries as National (inland) Waterways, allowing the Central Government to regulate shipping, navigation, and transport via mechanically propelled vessels.
• Inland Vessels Bill 2021: Proposed to replace the Inland Vessels Act of 1917, this bill aims to create a national regulatory framework for inland vessel transportation, increasing transparency and accountability.
• Sagarmala Project: In addition to developing coastal trade routes, the Sagarmala project seeks to expand inland waterways to drive industrial growth, ultimately reducing logistical costs.
• River Interlinking Program: This initiative is projected to provide significant benefits to the transportation sector by enhancing navigation through river interlinking.

Conclusion: The Future of Inland Waterways in India

Strengthening public-private partnerships plays a pivotal role in developing India's inland waterways sector. Private entities can contribute to terminal development, cargo handling, and the construction of low-draft vessels. Additionally, measures should be taken to develop essential infrastructure, address technological bottlenecks, and ensure the year-round navigability of waterways. Seamless last-mile connectivity to and from hinterlands will further reduce trans-shipment costs and enhance the economic viability of inland water transport.

In conclusion, India's inland waterways represent an untapped potential for economic growth and sustainable transportation, offering a promising alternative to traditional road and rail networks. With the right investments and policies, these waterways can pave the way for a greener, more efficient future of transportation in the country.