What is Water Transport

Inland water transport plays a major role in the growth of developing nations like India, especially when we have almost 14,500 km of navigable waterways which include rivers, canals, and lakes. 

Rivers

• A river is a fresh flowing stream of water that originates mainly from a glacier or mountain and flows from higher to lower ground. Rivers nowadays are widely used to transport heavy cargo such as coal, grains, and other cargo in bulk. Rivers are one of the best inland water transport as they are pretty cost-efficient and fewer resources are required to maintain them. 
• Barges and small boats are the most used type of boat to connect different places through the river. River transport assists in the transportation of cargo and people through small and medium ships. However, transportation through rivers depends a lot on natural factors such as water depth, the flow of the water, and seasonal changes such as drought and floods. 

Canals

• Canals are a very important part of inland water as they connect two large water bodies and reduce the time as well as fuel consumption of ships. Canals have been used for a long time to transport cargo and passengers and are still fulfilling the role of transportation. 
• Some of the famous man-made canals that are working as a backbone of the global maritime community are the Suez Canal, Panama Canal, and Kiel Canal. 

Lakes

• Lakes are an important part of inland water transport. They provide natural routes for small ships and passenger ferries and boost the economies of the connecting cities and industrial areas along the shore. 
• Lakes are enclosed bodies of water with unique features that dictate their use in transport. Since they have limited depth, the vessels involved in transport on lakes tend to be shallow drafts that can allow safe navigation in those conditions. Although lakes are not significant for large ocean-going ships, they remain very suitable for regional trade and travel, especially in areas with scarce road or rail infrastructure. 

National Waterways

• • National Waterways are like highways but instead of being on land, these are highways of water, used by ships to transfer cargo to the inland port. 
  • Waterways are those river routes where cargo ships can navigate to transfer cargo to the inland ports. India total has 111 nationally recognized waterways that are used for inland water transportation. 

• Only 13 national waterways are operational out of these 111 NWs.

Ferries

• Ferries are one of the most used modes of inland transportation where there are better options than building a bridge due to natural factors. Ferries are the most effective options for places like lakes, and rivers to connect different villages and cities across the lake. 
• Ferries are one of the lifelines for isolated or island-based populations who need access to markets, schools, and healthcare. Apart from their utility, ferries have also been in high demand among tourists as they provide scenic transportation over waterways. A ferry is a shallow draft; hence, it is always efficient on inland waters and enhances connectivity, trade, and mobility.