Tag: 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.

Tag: INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT

INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT

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