National Waterways (NWs) are a crucial part of the Indian transport system, assisting in the movement of goods and people across the country. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has spearheaded efforts to optimize the use of these waterways. To this end, they have introduced LADIS – Least Available Depth Information System, a portal designed to provide real-time data about least available depths, assisting ship/barge and cargo owners in planning their transportation more efficiently.
LADIS – Enhancing Operational Efficiency
LADIS is more than just a portal; it’s a tool that facilitates the daily operations of inland vessels plying on NWs. It helps avoid any service and operational hindrances by sharing credible and efficient information, thereby ensuring seamless operations on National Waterways. Additionally, the system pre-empts issues that may occur during the movement of vessels, making it a vital asset for the industry.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Shipping, IWAI is a statutory body responsible for developing and regulating India’s inland waterways for shipping and navigation. With its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IWAI’s principal role involves building necessary infrastructure for inland waterways, surveying economic feasibility of new projects and managing administration and regulation.
According to the National Waterways Act of 2016, 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways. These NWs form the backbone of India’s shipping and navigation industry.
| Year | Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Establishment of IWAI | Development and regulation of inland waterways |
| 2016 | National Waterways Act | Declaration of 111 waterways as NWs |
| 2018 | Launch of FOCAL portal | Access to real-time data on vessel availability |
| 2018 | Project agreement with World Bank | Capacity augmentation of navigation on NW-1 (River Ganga) |
Recent Developments and Goals
In 2018, IWAI not only launched LADIS but also the Forum of Cargo Owners and Logistics Operators (FOCAL). FOCAL is a portal designed for cargo owners and logistic operators to access real-time data on the availability of vessels. This move was considered pivotal in modernizing and streamlining procedures.
In the same year, IWAI signed a project agreement with the World Bank for the ‘Jal Marg Vikas Project’ on River Ganga. The main aim of this initiative is to augment the capacity of navigation on NW-1 (River Ganga) from Varanasi to Haldia.
All these efforts underscore the commitment towards developing NWs as a key transport intervention to significantly reduce logistics costs, which currently account for 15% of India’s GDP. This figure is nearly twice that of the U.S.’ logistics costs – a proportion IWAI aims to reduce through efficient and reliable waterway systems.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024