Guwahati: Waterways has traditionally been a popular choice for trade and travel across India, including the northeastern region.
During the British era, the Brahmaputra and Barak-Surma rivers were used extensively for transport and trade between the region and the erstwhile Calcutta port.
Water transport is the cheapest and the oldest mode of transport. It operates on a natural track and does not require large investments in the construction and maintenance of its track, except in the case of canals.
Keeping this in mind, the Centre is putting a thrust on developing water transport, especially the inland ports.
There are two kinds of water transport — Inland Water Transport and Ocean Transport. Some of the advantages of Inland Water Transport include low cost, larger capacity, flexible service and safety.
Ocean transport comprises both coastal shipping and overseas shipping.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways demonstrated confidence and strengthened the inland waterways under Prime Minister Gati Shakti Scheme and brought a transformative impact on the life of the people’s participation in the country’s comprehensive logistics and supply chain.
India has improved its ranking in the World Logistics Performance Index 2023. It has reached six places making its way to 38th place among 139 countries as compared to its 54th position in 2014.
The introduction of Ganga Vilas explained the potential of cruise tourism.
Waterways can also be significant for business. The stakeholders can play a crucial role in water-related business in the sphere of cargo movement, cruise operations, dredging works, construction, operation and maintenance of Termination Barge Construction and Operations, navigation ads, hydrographic surveys, manpower supply for vessels and terminals, training of vessel crews, stevedoring and forwarding, project management consultancy, construction supervision, proof checking of design, model studies and consultancy services for techno-economic feasibility, environmental and social impact and market analysis.
The development works have been undertaken by IWAI who provides business opportunities to players.
The third Global Maritime Summit will celebrate Maritime Excellence Achievers to recognise the industry-based practices demonstrating leadership in the transformation of the Indian maritime industry.
India is looking forward to growing and prospering with cooperation between various sectors and collaborating with National Logistics Policy, PM Gatishakti and the determined implementation of the Sagarmala Project.
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