There have been rapid and significant strides toward Indian National Waterways (NW) development major projects in the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly and Brahmaputra River systems. Notable about these projects is that they provide a potential improvement on the country’s inland water transport system as well as enhancing trade connectivity. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal provided an update with regard to impressive rates of completion of major infrastructural works in Lok Sabha.
National Waterway 1 or NW-1:
It covers from Allahabad to Haldia Ganga River covering part of Bhagirathi River with Hooghly River and thereby is the crucial waterway over Ganga Bhagirathi Hooghly River System, with this happening one of India’s largest water projects, due to its great influence in upgrading communication between north-eastern regions and eastern parts. Indeed an essential national logistic infrastructure it does pose to stand out.
Main development components of NW-1
Multi-modal Terminals:
The construction of terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia is under way with both cargo and passenger traffic handling in mind.
Farakka New Navigational Lock:
The lock of Farakka is quite vital for the regulation of water levels and the free movement of vessels, with its modernization in the offing.
Fairway Development:
Ongoing work includes dredging and establishment of clear navigational channels to allow safe passage of larger ships.
Currently, more than 61% of the physical and financial progress on NW-1 has been achieved with very good progress in the project. The Jal Marg Vikas Project, as part of the NW-1 development plan, is an important enabler of this progress, which is part of the infrastructure upgrade on this stretch of river.
National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Expanding Connectivity on the Brahmaputra
The other major waterway stretches along the Brahmaputra River between Dhubri in Assam and Sadiya again in Assam. In its present phase of planning, this will greatly bridge the northeastern parts of the country with the balance, since this is not dependent at all on either roads and rails for such movements while providing an ecological means besides cost-effectiveness.
Components of NW-2 Development
Cargo Terminals:
Construction of notable cargo terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa will facilitate the growth in cargo traffic, which will form a significant part of increasing the economic activities of the region.
Ship Repair Facility:
A modern ship repair facility is proposed to be established at Pandu, Guwahati to cater to the maintenance requirements of the increasing fleet of vessels operating on the Brahmaputra.
Fairway Development:
The fairway development on NW-2 is as important as it is on NW-1. It ensures that the routes are navigable so that cargo vessels can be able to safely navigate up the river even in low water conditions.
Over 71% of the work on NW-2 is complete. This project is fast reaching its completion, which will enhance trade routes and regional connectivity.
Progress on National Waterways 16 and Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route
Besides the major National Waterways NW-1 and NW-2, India has also begun the development process of National Waterway 16 along with the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. The development of National Waterway 16 looks to boost the trade connections between India and Bangladesh more so on the northeastern sides.
Principal Developments of NW-16
New Terminals are being established at Gumti River at Sonamura and an upgradation in Badarpur and Karimganj Terminals would be made.
Survey Vessel and Dredger: The acquisition of sophisticated equipment such as an amphibian dredger and survey vessels will help maintain the waterways open and operational.
So far, 16.39% of the work on this project has been completed, and much more is to come in the coming months.
Development of Additional National Waterways for Better Connectivity
The government has also made a commitment to extend the National Waterways network to 23 more routes. The National Waterways will help expedite shipping and navigation. These waterways comprise notable rivers such as the West Coast Canal and Krishna River.
Ongoing Projects List
NW-3 comprises the West Coast Canal, Champakara, and Udyogmandal Canals.
NW-4 connecting Krishna River from Vijayawada to Muktyala.
NW-5: Connects Dhamra-Paradip via Mangalagadi to Pankopal.
Work on these additional routes is progressing well, with 47.84% of the development already completed.
Conclusion: A Vision for India’s Waterways Future
The rapid progress made on India’s National Waterways projects reflects the government’s intent to improve inland water transport infrastructure in the country. Over 61% has been completed in NW-1, over 71% in NW-2, and in the process of development on several more, this initiative promises a makeover in India’s logistic landscape by pushing economic growth and increasing connectivity between regions.
As these projects near completion, the development of multi-modal terminals, cargo hubs, and modern infrastructure will definitely ensure a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. Such efforts will not only make trade and commerce better, but also contribute to achieving India’s green and sustainable transportation goals. With these projects, India is ready to assume a major role in global shipping.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
Also read : Govt Unveils Rs 100 Crore Scheme for Growth of Inland Water Transport