INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inauguration of the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa in Assam.  Highlights India’s 14,500 km of navigable waterways as a major potential for freight transport.

Jogighopa IWT Terminal

  • Location: Assam, on the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway-2, NW-2).
  • National Waterway-2: The Dhubri-Sadiya stretch (891 km) of the Brahmaputra River in Assam was declared NW-2 under the National Waterway Act, 1988.
  • Significance:
    • Part of PM Gati Shakti for boosting inland waterways and economic growth.
    • International port of call for Bhutan and Bangladesh, enhancing regional connectivity.
    • Linked to Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Jogighopa for improved cargo movement.
    • Reduces transportation costs and transit time.
    • Strengthens India’s Act East Policy.
    • Provides direct waterway access to Bhutan, reducing road dependency.

Inland Waterways Transport

  • Definition: Movement of goods and people using navigable rivers, canals, lakes, and other inland water bodies.

Legislative Framework

  • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Act, 1985:
    • Established the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.
    • IWAI is responsible for development, maintenance, and regulation of National Waterways (NWs).
  • National Waterways Act, 2016:
    • Declared 111 inland waterways as NWs for improved shipping and navigation.
  • Inland Vessels Act, 2021:
    • Replaced the Inland Vessels Act, 1917.
    • Ensures uniform regulations, safety, and navigation compliance.

Criteria for Declaring a National Waterway

  • Must be navigable by propelled vessels and at least 50 km long (except for urban areas and intra-port traffic).
  • Should:
    • Serve multiple states or connect a key hinterland or major port.
    • Support strategic navigation for national security.
    • Provide connectivity to unserved areas lacking other transport modes.

Growth of Inland Waterways in India

  • 767% increase in operational National Waterways since 2014.
  • 635% rise in cargo handled.
  • Cargo traffic increased from 18 million tonnes (2014) to 133 million tonnes (FY 2023-24).
  • 22% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) in inland water transport.

Government Initiatives

  • Maritime India Vision 2030.
  • Sagarmala Programme – Enhancing port connectivity.
  • National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers.

Benefits and Challenges in Developing Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) in India

Benefits:

  • Cost & Efficiency:
    • Cost-effective and fuel-efficient mode of transport.
  • Environmental Impact:
    • Lower carbon emissions make it an eco-friendly transport option.
  • Traffic Reduction:
    • Helps reduce congestion on roads and railways, improving overall transport efficiency.
  • Trade & Connectivity:
    • Enhances domestic and cross-border trade, such as through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route.
  • Regional Development:
    • Boosts economic growth in remote and underdeveloped areas by improving connectivity.
  • Tourism Potential:
    • Supports river tourism and the cruise industry, creating new economic opportunities.
  • Private Investment:
    • Encourages multi-modal transport integration, linking road, rail, and waterways.

Challenges:

  • Cost & Efficiency:
    • High siltation and shoal formation increase maintenance costs.
  • Environmental Impact:
    • Seasonal depth fluctuations in rivers affect navigation.
    • Dredging impacts riverbeds and aquatic ecosystems, leading to community resistance.
  • Traffic Reduction:
    • Lack of adequate navigational aids and transport terminals.
  • Trade & Connectivity:
    • Inconsistent water flow, as a major portion is diverted for irrigation and industrial use.
  • Regional Development:
    • Infrastructure gaps, including inadequate jetties, ports, and terminals.
  • Tourism Potential:
    • Low vertical clearance of bridges restricts the movement of large vessels.
  • Private Investment:
    • Limited private sector participation and investment due to lack of incentives and infrastructure.

Way Forward

  • Enhancing Cargo & Passenger Movement
    • Integrate waterways with economic zones like PM MITRA parks & Mega Food Parks.
    • Develop cruise tourism under the Cruise Bharat Mission.
    • Expand cargo movement through the Jalvahak Scheme with incentives & scheduled services.
  • Financial & Policy Support
    • Establish Inland Waterways Development Funds.
    • Enhance waterway infrastructure.
    • Implement Riverine Community Development Scheme for traditional navigation.
  • Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
    • Encourage private investment in terminal development, vessel manufacturing, and cargo handling.
    • Provide financial incentives & tax benefits.
  • Sustainable Development
    • Promote green vessels and eco-friendly dredging techniques.
    • Balance environmental protection with infrastructure development.

By implementing these strategies, India can maximize the potential of its inland waterways while ensuring sustainable development and economic growth.

Leave a Reply