Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Inland Water Transport (IWT) refers to the movement of cargo and passengers on navigable inland waterways such as rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Historically significant, IWT offers a cost-effective, environment-friendly, and fuel-efficient mode of transportation, particularly crucial for a country like India with an extensive network of navigable waterways. However, despite its potential, IWT currently accounts for less than 2% of India’s total transportation modal share. Recent initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project aim to revitalize this sector, but significant challenges remain. This answer will enumerate the problems and prospects of IWT in India.
Problems of Inland Water Transport in India
Several factors hinder the development of IWT in India. These can be broadly categorized as infrastructural, navigational, technological, and regulatory.
1. Infrastructural Constraints
- Lack of Adequate Infrastructure: Limited number of terminals, inadequate draft (depth) of waterways, insufficient storage facilities, and absence of modern handling equipment are major bottlenecks.
- Siltation: Rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra suffer from heavy siltation, reducing navigability and requiring frequent dredging.
- Poor Connectivity: Lack of seamless intermodal connectivity (road and rail) to and from IWT terminals increases transportation costs and time.
2. Navigational Challenges
- Seasonal Variations: Water levels fluctuate significantly, especially in monsoon and summer seasons, impacting navigability. Many waterways are only navigable for a limited period.
- Riverine Characteristics: Meandering rivers, sharp bends, and shallow depths pose navigational hazards.
- Lack of Channel Marking & Navigation Aids: Insufficient channel marking, lack of night navigation facilities, and absence of modern navigational tools hamper safe and efficient movement.
3. Technological Limitations
- Outdated Fleet: The existing fleet of vessels is largely outdated, inefficient, and polluting.
- Limited Technological Adoption: Slow adoption of modern technologies like GPS, GIS, and automated vessel tracking systems.
- Lack of Skilled Manpower: Shortage of trained personnel for operating and maintaining IWT infrastructure and vessels.
4. Regulatory and Administrative Issues
- Multiple Authorities: Control over IWT is fragmented among various central and state government agencies, leading to coordination issues.
- Complex Permit System: Obtaining permits and clearances for IWT operations can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
- Lack of Standardized Procedures: Absence of standardized procedures for cargo handling, safety, and security.
Prospects of Inland Water Transport in India
Despite the challenges, IWT holds significant promise for India’s transportation sector.
1. Government Initiatives
- Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Launched in 2016, this project aims to develop the National Waterway-1 (NW-1) on the Ganga river between Varanasi and Haldia. It includes dredging, terminal development, and navigational aids.
- National Waterways Act, 2016: Declared 111 waterways as National Waterways for development and regulation.
- Sagarmala Programme: Promotes port-led development and includes IWT as a key component for connecting ports to the hinterland.
- Subsidies and Incentives: Government provides subsidies for vessel construction and operation to encourage private sector participation.
2. Economic Benefits
- Cost-Effectiveness: IWT is significantly cheaper than road and rail transport, especially for bulk cargo.
- Environmental Friendliness: IWT generates lower carbon emissions compared to other modes of transport.
- Reduced Congestion: Shifting cargo from road and rail to waterways can alleviate congestion on highways and railway networks.
- Employment Generation: Development of IWT infrastructure and operations can create employment opportunities in riverine communities.
3. Potential for Regional Connectivity
- North-East India: IWT can play a crucial role in improving connectivity to the landlocked North-Eastern states through waterways like the Brahmaputra.
- Coastal Shipping: Integration of IWT with coastal shipping can create a seamless transportation network.
| Waterway | Route | States Covered |
|---|---|---|
| NW-1 | Varanasi-Haldia | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| NW-2 | Brahmaputra River | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh |
| NW-3 | West Coast Canal | Kerala |
Conclusion
Inland Water Transport presents a viable and sustainable alternative to existing transportation modes in India. While significant challenges related to infrastructure, navigability, and regulation persist, government initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project and the National Waterways Act offer a pathway for revitalization. Realizing the full potential of IWT requires sustained investment, inter-agency coordination, technological upgrades, and private sector participation. A focused approach towards developing IWT can contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.