Subject: Indian Geography

The advent of National Waterways Act 2016 has highlighted the significance of inland water transport as an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation, with India having 111 National Waterways spanning over 20,000 kilometers of navigable waterways.

Problems of Inland Water Transport

Physical and Environmental Challenges:

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Rivers experience varying water levels affecting year-round navigation and operational efficiency.
• Siltation: Regular deposition of silt requires constant dredging, increasing maintenance costs.
• River Course Changes: Natural shifts in river courses pose challenges for maintaining fixed navigation channels.

Infrastructure and Technical Issues:

• Limited Terminal Infrastructure: Inadequate number of modern terminals and multimodal connectivity points.
• Navigation Aids: Insufficient night navigation facilities and modern vessel tracking systems.
• Fleet Modernization: Aging vessel fleet requiring significant technological upgrades.

Economic and Operational Constraints:

• High Initial Investment: Substantial capital required for developing waterway infrastructure.
• Limited Private Participation: Despite schemes like National Waterways Regulations 2025, private investment remains low.
• Competition: Strong competition from established road and rail transport sectors.

Prospects and Opportunities

Economic Benefits:

• Cost-Effective Transport: Recent data shows cargo transport reached 145.5 million tonnes in 2024-25, indicating growing adoption.
• Bulk Cargo Movement: Efficient for transporting coal, iron ore, and construction materials, which constitute 68% of total cargo.
• Government Support: ₹50,000 crore investment plan over five years for enhancing inland waterways.

Policy Initiatives and Schemes:

• Jalvahak Scheme: Offers 35% incentive to cargo owners shifting from road/rail to waterways.
• Tonnage Tax Benefits: Extended to inland vessels promoting fleet expansion.
• Green Transportation: Promotes environmentally sustainable logistics solutions.

The transformation of India's inland water transport system requires integrated development focusing on infrastructure modernization, technological advancement, and sustainable practices. The success of initiatives like Jal Marg Vikas Project and Sagarmala Programme demonstrates the potential for creating an efficient and sustainable inland water transport network in India.