National Waterways undergoes expansion

National Waterways undergoes expansion

Subject :Geography

Context: Inland Waterways Authority of India is spreading the scope of the National Waterways (NW) as it plans to develop and operationalise NW 5 and a part of NW 64.

About National Waterways:

• National Waterways are an important mode of transport for both passengers and cargo. In India, the National Waterways include Inland waterways and sea routes for trade purposes.
• India has about 14,500 kilometers of navigable waterways, although they only contribute to around 1% of the country’s transportation. 
• National Waterways Act aids in the management of the country’s waterways. Out of the 111 national waterways proclaimed by the National Waterways Act, 13 are active for shipping and navigation and are used by cargo or passenger vessels.
• The government of India established the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in accordance with the National Waterways Act to regulate and develop the inland waterways used for navigation and shipping.

About Inland Waterways Authority of India:

• The body was created by the government of India in 1986 for regulating and developing inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
• The body chiefly undertakes development and maintenance projects of IWT infrastructure on national waterways.