India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways recently received the maiden voyage of food-grains from Patna to Pandu port via Bangladesh at Guwahati, Assam. This marked an era of inland water transport for Assam & Northeast India. The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021, was approved at the same time to regulate safety, security and registration of inland vessels.
Bridging Borders: Indo-Bangladesh & Indo-Myanmar Protocol
This new phase of cargo movement via ships through Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBRP) signifies economic prosperity for Northeast India. The historical trade routes via Bangladesh are being rejuvenated under PM Gati Shakti. Similarly, the provisions of the Indo-Bangladesh (Sonamura-Daudkandi) and Indo-Myanmar protocol (Kaladan) allow transhipment of goods through Bangladesh and Myanmar waters.
Unleashing Potential: Inland Waterways in India
India boasts about 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. Under the National Waterways Act 2016, 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs). The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for capacity augmentation of navigation on the Haldia-Varanasi stretch of Ganga. This waterway will also be linked to the east and west Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
Scope and Potential of IWT
Notably, IWT (Inland Water Transport) moves approximately 55 million tonnes of cargo annually, being a fuel efficient and environment-friendly medium. However, its utilization is still low compared to developed countries. Its operations are mostly limited to a few stretches in the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly rivers, the Brahmaputra, the Barak river, Goa rivers, Kerala backwaters, Mumbai inland waters and Godavari – Krishna river deltas.
Advantages of Inland Waterways Network
Inland waterways offer a cheaper mode of transportation than the alternatives, significantly reducing the cost of goods transportation. It also cuts down on transportation time and minimizes congestion and mishaps on highways. The network moreover creates seamless interconnectivity connecting hinterlands along navigable river coasts and coastal routes. It’s expected to play a crucial role in linking the north-eastern states to mainland India.
Implementation Challenges
While it may seem promising, implementation of this network faces challenges. Some rivers are seasonal and do not provide navigability throughout the year. All identified waterways require capital and maintenance dredging which could face opposition from local communities on environmental grounds. Water, being a vital resource with competing needs like irrigation and power generation, cannot be overlooked for transport. Additionally, jurisdiction over shipping and navigation on national waterways rests with the Central Government; utilization of other waterways falls within the ambit of state governments.
Way Forward: Strategizing Effective Use of Waterways
Considering water scarcity and its varied uses, exploiting it for transport could pose difficulties. However, looking at the commercial viability and employment opportunities, National Waterways can serve as the way forward. A well-coordinated strategy should be devised to ensure complementarity between national network and other waterways, waterways and roadways/railways. This strategy should take into account competing uses, possible local resistance and work in coordination with local governments for successful implementation.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024