The National Council of Educational Research and Training was established in 1961, which was an autonomous organisation of the Indian Government. It was established as a literary, charitable and scientific society under the Societies Registration Act. It prescribes textbooks to the CBSE boards and some other state boards.

Transportation is very important for the development of our country and has a big impact on a developing country along with being a large source of jobs. With the scale of land and the variety of topography, India boasts about it enabling multiple types of transportation to flourish. The variety of transportation active in the country is:

1. Roadways
2. Railways
3. Waterways
4. Airways

The waterways mode of transportation is the cheapest means for carrying bulky and heavy as well as passenger services. It is not only fuel-efficient but is also very environmentally friendly.

There are two types of water transport:

1. Inland Waterways
2. Oceanic Waterways

National Waterways in India: Inland Waterways

India has over 14500 km of waters that can be navigated which accounts only for about 1% of the country's transportation. This includes canal backwaters, rivers and creeks amongst many other types of water bodies.

Around 3700 km of major rivers are navigable by mechanised flat bottom vessels however, at present only 2000 km is actually used. Only 900 km out of the 4800 km of the navigable canal is used by mechanised vessels. Approximately 180 lakh tons of material is transported through these waterways.

National Waterways in India: Oceanic Routes

Ten other inland waterways are identified by the inland waterways authority. The backwaters (Kadal) of Kerala have a special significance which has a significance of transport along with being a famous tourist attraction. They also hold the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

India's coastline is so vast that it spans almost 7,517km and facilitates the large vessels to transport. There are 12 major and 185 minor ports in the country which gives the necessary infrastructural support to the vessels.

The Oceanic Routes also support 95% of India's foreign trade by volume and over 70% by value moves from the country to other countries. They also enable transportation to the islands.

The National Waterways Act helps in managing the waterways of the country. It came into effect in the year 2016. The act proposed 106 national waterways in addition to the pre-existing one and also merged 5 existing acts which have declared the 5 national waterways.

There are 13 national waterways operational for shipping and navigation. and have cargo or passenger vessels using them out of the 111 national waterways declared by the National Waterways Act. The government of India along with the National Waterways Act created the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for the regulation and development of the inland waterways that are used for navigation and shipping.

It was created in 1986 and it chiefly undertakes the development and maintenance projects of the Inland Waterways Transportation infrastructure. It takes on projects through grants from the Shipping ministry whose headquarters is in Noida. It has regional offices in other cities and towns also.

Operational National Waterways

These are the 13 National Waterways that are operational in India and contribute heavily to the blooming transportation.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the longest National Waterway in India?

A) NW-2 (Brahmaputra River)
B) NW-1 (Ganga River)
C) NW-3 (West Coast Canal)
D) NW-4 (Godavari-Krishna)

2. Which river system is associated with National Waterway 2?

A) Brahmaputra River
B) Godavari River
C) Mahanadi River
D) Yamuna River

3. What is the role of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)?

A) To regulate ports and shipping policies
B) To develop, maintain, and manage National Waterways
C) To promote road transport
D) To build railway networks

4. Which National Waterway connects the West Coast Canal?

A) NW-4
B) NW-1
C) NW-3
D) NW-5

5. What is one major challenge faced by National Waterways in India?

A) Lack of navigable watercourses
B) High operational costs
C) Poor road connectivity
D) Lack of private sector involvement

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of National Waterways in India's transportation network. What are the potential benefits for the economy and environment?

Answer: National Waterways play a crucial role in India's transportation network by offering an alternative and cost-effective mode of transport for bulk goods such as coal, cement, and agricultural products. They help decongest road and rail networks, reducing traffic and transportation costs. The use of waterways also has environmental benefits, as it is more fuel-efficient and generates lower carbon emissions compared to road and rail transport. Furthermore, National Waterways foster regional development by improving connectivity between different regions, promoting trade, and enhancing the economic integration of isolated areas. In the long term, expanding the network of National Waterways could significantly boost India’s economic growth and improve the sustainability of its transportation system.

Q2: Analyze the challenges faced by National Waterways in India and suggest measures to overcome them.

Answer: National Waterways in India face several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, navigational difficulties, and environmental concerns. Many of the existing waterways lack modern ports, dredging facilities, and sufficient depth, making it difficult for large vessels to navigate. Additionally, there are environmental concerns regarding the impact of dredging and water management. To overcome these challenges, the government should invest in infrastructure development, including the construction of modern terminals and dredging systems. Ensuring sustainable water management practices is also essential to minimize ecological impacts. Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help bring in the necessary capital and expertise to revitalize the National Waterways system.

Q3: How can the development of National Waterways help in reducing India’s transportation costs and promoting regional trade?

Answer: The development of National Waterways can significantly reduce transportation costs by offering a more affordable mode of transporting goods compared to road and rail networks. Waterways are particularly suited for bulk cargo, which is cheaper to transport over long distances by water. By developing better infrastructure for National Waterways, such as improved dredging and terminal facilities, India can ensure a more efficient transport system, thereby lowering logistics costs. Additionally, better connectivity between states through National Waterways can promote regional trade by facilitating the movement of goods, boosting economic activity in the hinterlands, and enhancing overall market integration.

Previous Year Questions on National Waterways

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is the longest National Waterway in India?

A) NW-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly)
B) NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
C) NW-3 (West Coast Canal)
D) NW-4 (Godavari-Krishna)

Answer: (A)

Explanation: NW-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) is the longest National Waterway in India, covering over 1,620 kilometers.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the challenges and opportunities of developing National Waterways in India. How can they contribute to the country’s economic development?"

Answer: Developing National Waterways presents both challenges and opportunities for India. Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, ecological concerns, and the need for investment in modern technology. However, the opportunities are substantial, as National Waterways can significantly reduce transportation costs, alleviate road and rail congestion, and promote regional trade. By improving connectivity between different regions, National Waterways can boost agricultural and industrial exports, enhance employment opportunities, and contribute to India's overall economic growth. Proper management and sustainable development of these waterways are key to realizing these benefits.