Inland Water Transport (IWT) refers to the means of moving people, goods, and various materials through waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, and other navigable bodies of water within a country’s borders. Most often used for cargo transportation such as coal, iron ore, cement, food grains, and fertilizer, IWT is known as the most economical mode of transport. Despite its benefits, it currently remains underused in India, accounting for just 2% of the country’s modal mix.
Exploring the Socio-Economic Benefits of Inland Water Transport
Inland Water Transport offers multiple socio-economic advantages. It has a comparatively lower operating cost and demands less fuel consumption, making it a cost-effective choice. It also contributes less pollution than other modes of transportation. Interestingly, IWT requires less land relative to other means of transport, making it a more environment-friendly option. Beyond serving practical purposes, waterways can also be utilized for recreational activities like boating and fishing.
Inland Waterways in India: Scope and Challenges
India boasts an extensive network of inland waterways, including rivers, canals, and backwaters, spanning over 20,000 kilometers. These waterways have immense potential to serve as efficient transport routes for passengers and cargo. Projects such as the Jal Vikas Marg Project (JVMP), which includes Arth Ganga, aim to streamline these waterways and bring an economic boost. However, this sector faces challenges such as seasonal navigability, high maintenance costs, competing water usage requirements, environmental concerns, and jurisdiction issues.
Introduction to Maritime India Vision 2030
Launched by the Prime Minister at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020, the ten-year blueprint called Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to rejuvenate the maritime sector. This plan seeks to replace the Sagarmala initiative, bolster waterways, promote the shipbuilding industry, and encourage cruise tourism in India.
Policy Initiatives and Development Projects Under Maritime India Vision 2030
Several policy initiatives and development projects have been proposed under Maritime India Vision 2030. These include establishing a Maritime Development Fund, forming a pan-India port authority, implementing the Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid project, creating a Riverine Development Fund, rationalizing port charges, and promoting water transport for urban decongestion.
Government Initiatives Related to Water Transport
The government has also launched several related initiatives such as the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), Sagarmala Project, Jal Marg Vikas Project, PM Gati Shakti, and the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021.
Future of Inland Waterways in India
With India’s population on the rise and traffic congestion increasing, the development of inland waterways can provide numerous benefits. It can reduce travel time, ensure seamless movement of people and goods, cut costs, and lower pollution levels. A comprehensive policy that prioritizes safety, infrastructure support, inter-state coordination, and integration with other modes of transportation could revolutionize this sector.
While transforming India’s IWT landscape is an ongoing endeavor, there’s no denying the potential this mode of transport holds to transform India’s economic and environmental future. As the government is aiming to increase the share of IWT to 5% as per Maritime India Vision MIV-2030, this sector is undoubtedly poised for growth and expansion.
