Thursday, August 21, 2025

DEVELOPMENT OF WATERWAYS IN INDIA Port, Coastal, Waterway sector-Growth Sector India 2026: Public Transportation and Sustainable Mobility

 

Development of Waterways in India: Growth Sector India 2026 – Public Transportation and Sustainable Mobility

1. Introduction

  • Importance of Waterways for Transportation
    Waterways have been a cornerstone of trade and transportation globally, particularly in nations with expansive river systems. In India, water bodies have historically supported trade, agriculture, and urbanization. With increasing pressure on road and rail networks, waterways are emerging as a sustainable and efficient alternative.

  • Overview of Public Transport and Sustainable Mobility
    The concept of sustainable mobility emphasizes eco-friendly, efficient, and accessible transportation systems. Inland waterways align with these principles, offering cost-effective and environment-friendly movement of goods and passengers. They reduce traffic congestion, fuel costs, and carbon emissions, contributing to India's sustainable development goals.

  • Why Waterways Matter for India's Economic Growth
    India's vast network of rivers, lakes, and canals holds immense potential. Leveraging this resource can boost economic growth by:

    • Reducing logistics costs for businesses.
    • Enhancing regional connectivity.
    • Supporting tourism and employment.
    • Decreasing environmental degradation from vehicular emissions.
      By 2026, waterways are poised to become a key growth sector, aligning with India’s vision of sustainable public transport systems.

2. Current State of Waterways in India

  • Inland Waterways Network (National Waterways)
    India has 111 declared National Waterways (NWs), spanning rivers, canals, lakes, and backwaters. The prominent waterways include:

    • National Waterway-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly)
    • National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River)
    • National Waterway-3 (West Coast Canal, Kerala)
      These waterways offer vast potential for cargo and passenger transport.

  • Existing Infrastructure

    • Ports, cargo terminals, and jetty stations play a critical role in facilitating movement.
    • Major ports like Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia are being modernized.
    • Limited passenger ferry systems operate on rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Kerala’s backwaters.

  • Key Challenges

    • Lack of awareness about waterways as a viable transport mode.
    • Inadequate infrastructure for large-scale operations.
    • Limited dredging and navigational facilities.
    • Low investment and reliance on conventional logistics.

3. Government Initiatives and Policy Measures

  • National Waterways Act, 2016
    The Act declared 111 rivers as National Waterways, facilitating structured development of inland water transport (IWT).

  • Sagarmala Project
    Launched to modernize ports, improve coastal transport, and integrate waterways with logistics hubs. Key features include:

    • Port modernization.
    • Coastal economic zones.
    • Skill development for maritime jobs.

  • Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)
    A flagship project aimed at developing National Waterway-1 (Varanasi to Haldia). Objectives include:

    • Increasing cargo handling capacity.
    • Modernizing terminals and ensuring year-round navigation.

  • Role of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
    The IWAI is tasked with infrastructure development, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement to promote waterways.

  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
    The government is encouraging private-sector participation to improve funding, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.

4. Growth Prospects: Waterways as a Transportation Backbone

  • Economic Potential of Waterways by 2026
    By 2026, India aims to shift a significant portion of freight and passenger movement to waterways. This transition will reduce logistics costs from 14% to ~8% of GDP.

  • Integration with Road, Rail, and Ports for Multimodal Logistics

    • Developing a multimodal transportation system where goods seamlessly move between waterways, railways, and highways.
    • Connecting inland waterways to key ports like Kolkata, Haldia, and Mumbai.

  • Promotion of Waterways for Passenger Transport

    • Expansion of ferry services for urban and intercity connectivity.
    • Revitalization of rural passenger transport systems, especially in riverine states like Assam, Kerala, and Bengal.

  • Case Studies

    • National Waterway-1: Operational for both cargo and passenger transport.
    • Kerala Backwaters: A successful example of water-based passenger transport and tourism.
    • Brahmaputra River (NW-2): Facilitating cross-border trade with Bangladesh.

5. Sustainable Mobility and Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint
    Water transport emits significantly lower greenhouse gases compared to road and rail transport. A barge can carry goods equivalent to hundreds of trucks while consuming less fuel.

  • Fuel Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

    • Water transport is the most fuel-efficient mode, with 1 liter of fuel moving 1 ton of cargo up to 105 km via water compared to 25 km by road.
    • Low cost of operation reduces overall logistics expenses for businesses.

  • Development of Green Technologies

    • Adoption of electric ferries and hybrid vessels.
    • Implementation of clean fuels like LNG (liquefied natural gas).
    • Solar-powered boats for passenger movement in urban waterways.

6. Impact on Public Transportation

  • Potential for Urban and Rural Connectivity
    Cities like Kochi and Mumbai have begun integrating water-based public transportation into urban mobility plans, reducing traffic congestion.

  • Enhancing Passenger Mobility

    • Affordable ferry services offer a reliable alternative to road-based travel, particularly in flood-prone and riverine areas.
    • Improved connectivity for rural regions, reducing isolation and boosting economic activity.

  • Impact on Tourism and Regional Development

    • Boosting tourism through scenic river cruises (e.g., Ganga, Brahmaputra).
    • Promoting cultural and eco-tourism, creating employment opportunities for local communities.

7. Technological Advancements in Waterway Infrastructure

  • Role of Automation, AI, and IoT

    • Real-time vessel tracking systems.
    • Predictive analytics for navigational safety and cargo optimization.

  • Modernization of Ports

    • Digitization of cargo handling and operations.
    • Deployment of smart ports with integrated systems for efficiency.

  • Role of Startups and Innovations
    Innovative startups are offering solutions like automated dredging, GPS-based navigation, and electric boats to modernize waterways.

8. Challenges and Roadblocks

  • Infrastructure Gaps

    • Insufficient terminals, jetties, and navigable routes.
    • Poor connectivity with other transport modes.

  • Navigational Challenges

    • Silting of riverbeds reduces depth, hampering year-round operations.
    • Limited night-time navigation facilities.

  • Financing and Investment Constraints

    • High capital expenditure for infrastructure development.
    • Limited interest from private investors due to uncertain returns.

9. Vision 2026: India’s Waterways as a Growth Sector

  • Targets and Projections

    • Achieving 5-10% freight movement through waterways by 2026.
    • Doubling the operational National Waterways.

  • Policy Recommendations

    • Greater incentives for private participation.
    • Focus on technological innovations and green energy adoption.
    • Improved regulatory frameworks for seamless operations.

  • Future Role of Waterways
    Waterways will serve as the backbone for eco-friendly logistics and passenger transport, enabling sustainable economic growth and mobility.

10. Conclusion

  • Key Takeaways

    • Waterways are an untapped resource with immense economic, environmental, and social potential.
    • Leveraging water transport will ease road congestion, reduce emissions, and improve cost-efficiency.

  • Importance of Prioritizing Waterways for a Sustainable Future
    By 2026, India’s waterways will not only transform public transportation but also emerge as a model for sustainable and inclusive mobility.


 

 

24.04.2023

Under the Sagarmala Programme, NTCWPC has been established in IIT Chennai at a cost of Rs. 77 Crore. The institute acts as a technological arm of the Ministry and develops cutting-edge technologies and application products to provide solutions to various challenges faced by Ports & Shipping Sector.

The Institute has world class capabilities for undertaking the 2D & 3D investigations of research and consultancy nature for the Port, Coastal, Waterway sector across all disciplines.  Modelling of Ocean, determining the Coastal & Estuarine Flows, Sediment transport and morpho dynamics, planning of Navigation and Maneuvering, estimation of Dredging & Siltation, consultancy in Port and Coastal Engineering – designing the Structures and Breakwaters, Autonomous Platforms & vehicles, Experimental & CFD modelling of flow & Hull interaction, Hydrodynamics of multiple hulls, Ocean renewable energy coupled with port facilities are some of the areas where expertise has already been developed for the benefit of the country. .

The Institute empowers Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives of the country in the sectors
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