A Reckoning of Inland Waterways Transport System in India

Transportation as a mode of mobility came into existence with the inception of human beings. With the onset of civilization, socio-economic development gathered pace and transportation became a crucial factor in its tread. Transportation system in India comprises of railways, roads, civil aviation and inland waterways. In comparison to the first three modes of transportation, the fourth mode of transportation, that is, inland waterways is relatively less developed and used. Despite having a long length of navigable waterways in the country they are not enough used for mobility purposes. In the organized sector, the Government of India has declared certain inland waterways as national waterways. There were five statutory national waterways till the year 2016 when their number was increased to 111 by the National Waterways Act. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has been regularly performing developmental works on the national waterways but overall the pace of development of inland waterways transport system is not much brisk due to many practical challenges and difficulties. These difficulties and challenges can only be handled with a far-sighted approach as well as diligent, righteous and collaborative working of all stakeholders.