Waterways Bill will usher in revolution

The passage of the National Waterways Bill by parliament will go a long way to develop the country’s transport and logistics sector. Facilities for easy, fast and cheap transport of goods and materials are an important condition for development. In India, one major stumbling block for development has been the inadequacy and poor condition of its road and rail sectors. The new bill will enable water transport to play a major role in the movement of materials across the country. India has a large network of rivers, canals, lakes, backwaters and coastline which provide extensive facilities for peripheral and inland transport. But this is hardly utilised. The country once had a large system of water transport. But over the course of time, the system deteriorated. At present, river transport accounts for only 3.5% of goods transport in India while in Europe it accounts for 40%. The immense prospect for water transport development is clear from this. Both the government and the opposition deserve congratulations for agreeing on the importance of the bill and passing it.

The bill will open up 10,000 km of waterways for use by creating 101 national water highways in place of the existing five. There will be no scope for inter-state disputes on the issue since the bill will be put under Entry 24 of the constitution’s Union list. The advantages are many, because water transport is the most economical, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly of all modes of transport. One litre of fuel transports 24 tonnes per km by road, 85 tonnes by rail and 105 tonnes by water. Waterways are suitable for movement of hazardous material and bulk movement of goods. Accidents will be fewer and there will be more saving of time. The shift of transport from roads will reduce pollution, and river pollution can be addressed better. Investment cost is less because roads and rail lines don’t have to be laid and maintained. But infrastructure by way of river ports, supporting road and rail facilities and warehouses has to be built.

The river ports and other facilities will create alternative centres of development. They will reduce the pressure on existing cities and towns. Creation of such infrastructure and the growth of water transport facilities will generate more employment. Development of infrastructure, including the building of boats and barrages, is expected to involve an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore. This can be a booster for the economy. The programme, if pursued earnestly, will make a major impact, though it will take time.