National Waterway 1 – Transportation through Inland Waterway on Ganga River System
This article talks about 1620 Km long national waterway 1, to be developed on river Ganga by Inland Waterways Autority of India. It also discusses the development plans and the benefits of national waterway 1 (NW1).
Introduction
Importance of Waterways
National Waterway 1
Development of NW1 (National waterway 1)
Benefits of NW 1 (National Waterway 1) Development
Conclusion
Introduction
For centuries, rivers have remained an important route for transportation. A century before, river Ganga was very busy for transportation of goods and passengers. With the development and expansion of railways, usage of waterways declined significantly. Now, time is changing. Government of India enacted a legislation which declared 111 waterways as national waterways.
Importance of Waterways
Statistical data reveals that the cost of transportation of one ton of goods for one kilometer is Rs 2.28 by road and Rs 1.41 by rail. On the other hand, cost of same is just Rs 1.19 by water. Apart from this, transportation by water requires less fuel. Thus, transportation by water is economical as well as less polluting.
National Waterway 1
Ganga River from Prayagraj to Kolkata is declared as National waterway 1 (NW 1). It passes from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Though Ganga River from Prayag to Haldia (1620 Km) was declared as National waterway back in year 1986 but sufficient efforts could not be made for its development. Present government is making immense efforts for development of Ganga River as National waterway 1. Its developmental work lies on the shoulders of IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India), Ministry of Shipping. The cities which constitute NW 1 are Prayagraj, Chunar, Varanasi, Buxar, Balia, Patna, Bkagalpur, Sahibganj, Pakud, Farakka and Kolkata.
Development of NW1 (National waterway 1)
The development work for NW 1 (National waterway 1) from Varanasi to Haldia (1390 Km) is in progress under Phase 1 of National Waterways development scheme. World Bank is providing technical and financial support. The project cost for phase 1 is INR 5369 Cr. The developmental works under this phase include the following:
- Construction of multimodal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia
- Improvisation of waterways like increasing width and depth of river, development of water transport vessels
- Betterment of coastal security and enhancement of transportation facilities of Liquefied natural gas
- NW 1 connectivity with India Bangladesh protocol route (1720 Km) and NW 2 (882 Km) in North East India
- Construction of intermodal terminal at Gazipur and Kalughat
- Development of a new navigation block at Farakka with capable to stand 10 wheeler trucks worth capacity of 16 metric ton, 40 wagon rail worth capacity of 2200 ton and ship worth capacity of 2000 metric ton
Benefits of NW 1 (National Waterway 1) Development
- NW 1 will prove a cost effective and less polluting transport facility for goods and passengers.
- National Waterway 1 will boost trade and employment in the concerned states.
- It will save fossil fuel and also result in less carbon footprint.
- Multimodal terminals are upcoming developmental opportunities for resourceful states like Jharkhand. It will promote export of coal of Rajmahal, Chupabita, stone chip of Hurra mines and other construction related raw materials. Export of fertilizers, sugar, cement will also get a kick.
- Sahibganj of Jharkhand will get new 15 lakh jobs. Invesments will increase in the region. Ro Ro service will reduce travel distance and save time.
- A four lane bridge to be constructed between Sahibganj and Manihari (Bihar) will provide direct connectivity to Jarkhand with Bihar and North East of India. It is a mile stone for development of North East India.
Conclusion
It is expected that National waterway 1 will get completed by end of 2020. Ongoing efforts of government of India for the development of NW 1 may soon be harnessed and prove the navigational potential of river Ganga. Ganga is not only a river but effective infrastructural development on it can further prove its motherly features.
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