NEW DELHI: The Government is making all efforts to develop the National Waterways in the Country.
As per the feasibility reports completed so far for the 106 new National Waterways, 32 have been found technically viable.
Of these 32, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) have been prepared for 8 waterways, Parliament was informed recently. Based on these DPR, tender for development of river Barak (NW-16) was invited and is in the final stage. Tender document preparation for the development of river Ghagra (NW-40), Gandak (NW-37) and Kosi (NW-5cool.gif are in progress.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) for development of river Mandovi (NW-6cool.gif, Zuari (NW-111) and Cumberjua Canal (NW-27) in Goa. Sunderban waterways (NW 97) is already in use, informed a release.
As per estimates, the logistics cost for movement of cargo in India is about 19% of GDP. Of the total logistics modal mix, the share of coastal and inland waterways is approximately 6% and their cost is stated to be Re 0.2-0.3 per tonne kilometer (km), which is much less as compared to road (INR 2.3 per tonne km) and rail (INR 1.2-1.5 per tonne km). As part of Sagarmala programme, the share of inland waterways and Coastal Shipping in the modal mix is expected to double by 2025, thereby reducing logistics cost significantly.
Source: Dailyshippingtimes.com
