Syllabus: Infrastructure
Source: PIB
Context: India recorded an all-time high of 145.5 MMT cargo movement through inland waterways in FY 2024–25, up from just 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14. This marks a CAGR of 20.86%.
Key Statistics on Indian Inland Waterways:
- Cargo Traffic: Increased from 18.1 MMT (FY14) to 145.5 MMT (FY25).
- National Waterways: Expanded from 5 (2014) to 111 (2024) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
- Operational Length: Increased from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24).
- Passenger Movement: Touched 1.61 crore in FY 2023–24.
- Top Commodities: Coal, iron ore, sand, fly ash — accounting for over 68% of cargo.
Achievements in Inland Waterways:
- Digital Innovations: LADIS, RIS, PANI, Car-D, MIRS improve navigational safety and efficiency.
- Infrastructure Push: 3 MMTs (Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia), 1 IMT (Kalughat), community jetties, green vessels introduced.
- Policy Milestones: Launch of Jalvahak Scheme, extension of Tonnage Tax to inland vessels.
- Global Model: IWT seen as cost-effective and sustainable alternative to rail/road.
Challenges to Inland Waterways:
- Sparse Industrial Hubs: Lack of major industries near waterways reduces freight volume, affecting viability of IWT corridors.
- Multimodal Bottlenecks: Poor connectivity with rail and road networks delays cargo movement and increases logistics costs.
- Seasonal Depth Fluctuations: Water levels in rivers drop during dry seasons, disrupting year-round navigability and consistency in services.
- Environmental Concerns: Large-scale dredging can harm aquatic ecosystems; sustainable development is crucial to preserve biodiversity.
- Low Modal Share: Only 2% of total cargo uses waterways despite potential; underutilization keeps freight costs higher than optimal.
Way Ahead:
- Boost Private Sector Participation: Encourage PPP projects for developing terminals, jetties, and cargo-handling facilities to enhance efficiency.
- Capacity Building: Train inland vessel crews, logistics staff, and port operators to improve operational readiness and safety.
- Environmental Norms: Implement green dredging technologies and eco-friendly port designs to minimize ecological footprint.
- Awareness Campaigns: Highlight economic and environmental benefits of IWT to attract industries and shift cargo from road/rail.
- Expand Multimodal Hubs: Develop integrated logistics parks linking waterways with highways and rail to streamline end-to-end transport.
Conclusion:
India’s inland water transport is witnessing a transformational shift, from policy inertia to proactive development. The future lies in maintaining this momentum through green technology, digital transparency, and industrial synergy. A well-oiled IWT sector can redefine India’s logistics landscape for the 21st century.
