The Narendra Modi government has given a significant fillip to India’s inland waterways, having invested more than ₹6,000 crores over the last decade. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this vital transportation network has been transformed into a major player in the transport of cargo and passenger connectivity. A sequence of strategic reforms has driven remarkable growth in the sector, as the number of National Waterways has risen from just 5 in 2014 to an impressive 111 today.
Investment Boosting Inland Waterways
This very sector, according to the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has made remarkable progress during the ongoing Parliament session. Modi government has put over ₹6,000 crores of investment in reviving Indian waterways since 2014. This investment is significantly different from the ₹1,620 crores that had been made between 1986 and 2014. Inland water transport has been an innovative idea for providing a real alternative source for cargo transport while further strengthening passenger services all over India.
Surge in cargo movement
Rejuvenation of the inland waterways now results in the increasing scale of cargo movement. The Indian inland waterways could haul only 18.07 million MT of cargo way back in 2013-14. This has doubled to a whopping 132.89 million MT by the end of 2023-24, thus portraying a CAGR of 22.1%. In that event, the growth can show extensive potential in inland water transport as a cost-effective mode of transport for goods as well as passengers while leaving carbon prints behind. The target, as envisaged by the Indian government, is 200 million MT by 2030 and a staggering figure of 500 million MT by 2047 to work towards the vision of the Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Scaling the Waterways Network
India has an inland waterway network that covers 20,236 km, consisting of rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. The river component alone covers 17,980 km, and the canal is 2,256 km navigable for mechanized crafts. In freight transport, it lags behind other countries, such as the U.S., China, and the rest of the European Union. India, through sustained investment and development, has a chance to develop its inland waterways into an essential part of the country’s transportation infrastructure. It can provide a very efficient and sustainable solution to moving goods throughout the nation.
Key Infrastructure Projects and Capacity Building
Key infrastructure development is focused upon by the government to further improve the efficiency of inland waterways. These steps include the development of the Inland Water Transport terminals, deepening of the fairways through dredging contracts and night navigation facilities, where constructing navigational locks improves safety efficiency in cargo movement.
Some of the key projects in place to enhance connectivity in the North East include the construction of the new Jogighopa multi-modal terminal, upgrading of the Bogibeel passenger and cargo terminal, Karimganj, and Badarpur terminals. These will improve the movement of passengers and cargo while promoting ecotourism, trade opportunities, and connections with neighboring countries. Such developments have been geared toward realizing the vision for a thriving waterway network by 2047.
Vision for 2047: A Thriving Waterways Network
Indian waterways are going to feature high among the determinants of economic fortunes for the country in the immediate and long-term future. Waterway network for the whole of India, by 2047, will be extensive as part of transportation backbone that drives nation’s movement. Cargo worth 500 million MT transported through the waterways should increase the GDP of the nation, reduce congestion on both roads and railways, besides ushering in eco-friendly movement.
This is one such ambitious vision by Prime Minister Modi in respect of a self-reliant India, in which transportation will lead the nation towards economic prosperity by ensuring sustainable and efficient systems. The government has not only improved the logistics sector through investment in inland waterways but also enabled job opportunities, regional development, and trading boosters.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for India’s Transport Sector
Revitalization of inland waterways is one of the integral parts of the nation’s infrastructure development plans. In the last decade, investment of ₹6,000 crores has laid down the foundation for a robust, sustainable, and efficient transportation network. Currently, under capacity enhancement schemes, this sector promises higher growth, bringing a lot to the nation’s economy and trade while enhancing connectivity between passengers. As India progresses towards 2047, inland waterways will obviously be one of the forerunners of transportation systems in this country.
Refer :
PIB, Link to article
Also read : India’s Maritime Sector: Key to Achieving Vision of Becoming the World’s Third-Largest Economy by 2030