Understanding National Waterways and Their Lengths

This question asks us to match specific National Waterways of India with their corresponding lengths. National Waterways are routes on rivers and canals that are designated for navigation and transport. Knowing their locations and lengths is important for understanding India's inland water transport network.

Analyzing the Provided Lists

We are given two lists:

Matching National Waterways with Correct Lengths

Let's identify the standard lengths associated with each National Waterway:

• National Waterway – 1 (NW-1): This waterway runs from Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal. It is on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. Its length is approximately 1620 km, but option I gives 1670 km which is close and often used as a rounded figure or including specific stretches.
• National Waterway – 2 (NW-2): This waterway is on the Brahmaputra River, connecting Sadiya to Dhubri in Assam. Its length is 891 km. This matches option III.
• National Waterway – 3 (NW-3): Located in Kerala, this is India's first waterway with 24-hour navigation facilities. It comprises the West Coast Canal from Kottapuram to Kollam, along with the Champakara Canal and Udyogmandal Canal. Its total length is 205 km. This matches option IV.
• National Waterway – 4 (NW-4): This waterway connects Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh with Puducherry. It runs along the Godavari River, Krishna River, and the Kakinada-Puducherry canal network. Its length is 1078 km. This matches option II.

Establishing the Correct Matches

Based on the standard lengths, the correct matching is:

• A (National Waterway – 1) matches I (1670 km)
• B (National Waterway – 2) matches III (891 km)
• C (National Waterway – 3) matches IV (205 km)
• D (National Waterway – 4) matches II (1078 km)

So, the matching pair sequence is A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the given options to find the correct one:

1. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV (Incorrect: B and D lengths are swapped)
2. A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I (Incorrect: A, B, C, D matches are wrong)
3. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I (Incorrect: A and D lengths are swapped)
4. A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II (Correct: Matches our derived pairs)

The fourth option correctly matches National Waterway 1 with 1670 km, National Waterway 2 with 891 km, National Waterway 3 with 205 km, and National Waterway 4 with 1078 km.

Conclusion

The correct combination that matches the National Waterways with their respective lengths is A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II.

Revision Table: Key National Waterways & Lengths

Additional Information on Indian Waterways

India has a vast network of rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks, which can be used for inland water transport. This mode of transport is generally considered more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to road and rail transport.

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory body responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways in India.
• As of today, India has significantly more than just these four national waterways, with many more being declared and developed to enhance connectivity across the country.
• Inland water transport plays a crucial role in carrying heavy and bulky cargo, reducing congestion on roads and railways.
• Major challenges include maintaining sufficient depth for navigation throughout the year, especially in seasonal rivers, and developing adequate infrastructure like terminals and navigation aids.