Why in the News?

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), has introduced the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS), a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable navigation along India’s inland waterways.

About National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS)

• The NRT&NS aims to modernize and enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of inland water transport.
• It leverages real-time data and technology to optimize navigation on India’s National Waterways, supporting eco-friendly and cost-effective transport for goods and passengers.
• Key Features:
  • Real-time monitoring using GPS and GIS for safe vessel navigation.
  • Centralized traffic control centers for efficient operations.
  • Digital platforms for route planning, cargo tracking, and alerts.
  • Integrated infrastructure to streamline operations and reduce delays.
  • Focus on sustainability, economic growth, and capacity building in the inland water transport sector.
• The system is being deployed across India’s National Waterways, including:
  • NW 1 (River Ganga): Key cargo routes from Haldia to Varanasi.
  • NW 2 (River Brahmaputra): Major transport corridor in the Northeast.
  • NW 3 (West Coast Canal, Champakara Canal, and Udyogmandal Canal), NW 4 (Krishna and Godavari), and NW 5 (Mahanadi rivers and its tributaries): Supporting regional trade and tourism.

Status of Inland Waterways in India

• India has a vast network of 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including 111 declared National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• Key Highlights:
  • Increase in Operational Waterways: The number of operational NWs has increased by 767% since 2014.
  • Cargo Traffic Growth: Cargo traffic rose from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 133 million tonnes in 2023-24, achieving a CAGR of over 22%.
  • Infrastructure Investments: Investments in NW development increased by 233% post-2014, supported by projects like:
    • Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Focused on NW 1 (Ganga).
    • Arth Ganga: Empowering local communities through economic activities along NW 1.
  • Tourism Growth: River cruise tourism expanded significantly, with 25 cruise vessels operational in 2023-24, up from 3 in 2013-14.
  • Challenges: Despite this, the share of IWT in India’s overall transport mix remains relatively low compared to global standards.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now