Inland waterways of India

Published on 23 Feb 2025

India boasts a vast network of rivers, canals, and backwaters, spanning approximately 111,000 kms offering immense potential for inland waterways transport (IWT). The National Waterways Act, 2016, declared 111 waterways as national waterways, signalling a significant push for IWT development.   Key rivers with navigable potential include the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, Brahmaputra, and Godavari. 

The Sagarmala Project

To harness the potential of IWT, the Indian government launched the Sagarmala Project. This ambitious initiative aims to modernize port infrastructure, develop inland waterways, and promote coastal shipping. The project has identified 106 waterways for development under various phases.   

Challenges faced by the Inland waterways transport

Despite the potential, IWT currently accounts for a small percentage of India's total freight movement.

• Infrastructure Deficiencies

• Inadequate depth: Many waterways lack sufficient depth for commercial vessel navigation.

• Example: Study conducted by the Central Inland Waterways Authority (CIWA) in 2021 found that many inland waterways in India lack sufficient depth for commercial vessel navigation.

• Siltation: Rivers are prone to siltation, reducing their navigability and increasing maintenance costs.

• Limited terminals: A dearth of modern terminals hampers efficient cargo handling and logistics.

• Navigational aids: Insufficient buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids pose safety risks.

• Example: The Indian Ports Association (IPA) has noted that many inland waterways lack sufficient buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids, posing safety risks to vessels.

• Operational Challenges

• Seasonal variations: Water levels fluctuate significantly, impacting navigation and vessel capacity.

• Modal integration: Seamless connectivity with other modes of transport (road, rail) is lacking.

• Lack of skilled manpower: There's a shortage of trained personnel for vessel operation and maintenance.

• Policy and Regulatory Issues

• Complex procedures: Bureaucratic hurdles and time-consuming clearances hinder operations.

• Example: The Economic Survey 2021-22 highlighted the complex procedures and time-consuming clearances involved in obtaining permits and approvals for inland waterways operations.

• Low awareness: Limited knowledge about the benefits of inland waterways among shippers and stakeholders.

• Financial constraints: Insufficient investment in infrastructure development and maintenance.

• Example: The NITI Aayog's National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) identified a significant funding gap for the development and maintenance of inland waterways infrastructure.

Opportunities posed by Inland waterways in India

• Economic Growth and Development

• Cost-effective transportation: Inland waterways offer a significantly cheaper mode of transport compared to road and rail, especially for bulk commodities.   

• Example: The transportation of bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, and fertilizers through the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (NW-1) has shown significant cost reductions.

• Reduces logistics costs: By shifting cargo from roads to waterways, businesses can significantly reduce transportation costs.  

• Example: Companies operating in the Indo-Gangetic plain have reported substantial savings in logistics costs by opting for inland water transport

• Job creation: Development of inland waterways will create employment opportunities in various sectors, including shipping, infrastructure, and allied services.   

• Environmental Benefits

• Reduced carbon emissions: Inland water transport is a more environmentally friendly option compared to road and rail, contributing to lower carbon emissions.   

• Reduced congestion: Shifting cargo to waterways can help reduce traffic congestion on roads.

• Example: Cities like Kolkata and Varanasi have witnessed a decrease in traffic congestion due to the increased use of inland waterways for cargo transport.   

• Preservation of natural resources: By reducing the pressure on roads, inland waterways can help preserve natural resources.

• Regional Development

• Connectivity to remote areas: Inland waterways can provide access to remote and underdeveloped regions, fostering economic growth in these areas.   

• Example: The Brahmaputra river (NW-2) has improved connectivity to northeastern states, facilitating the movement of essential goods and boosting local economies.

• Tourism potential: Many waterways offer scenic beauty, which can be leveraged for developing river cruises and tourism.

• Example: The backwaters of Kerala are a prime example of how inland waterways can be harnessed for tourism, generating revenue and employment.

• Agricultural development: Inland waterways can facilitate the transportation of agricultural products, supporting the agricultural sector.

• Other Opportunities

• Multimodal transportation: Integrating inland waterways with other modes of transport can create efficient logistics networks.

• River cruise tourism: Many rivers in India offer stunning landscapes, making them ideal for developing river cruise tourism.   

• Example: The Ganga Vilas cruise on the Ganga river has showcased the potential of river cruise tourism in India, attracting domestic and international tourists.

• Hydropower generation: Some waterways can be harnessed for hydropower generation, contributing to renewable energy sources.

• Example: The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river not only provides hydroelectric power but also contributes to inland navigation through a dedicated waterway.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Inland waterways of India The Sagarmala Project Challenges faced by the Inland waterways transport Opportunities posed by Inland waterways in India

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1