National Waterways

Summary

The video discusses the importance of inland waterways in reducing transportation costs and enhancing cargo movement in India. It compares the efficiency of waterways with road transport, highlighting that waterways can carry ten times more cargo for the same price. Despite the advantages, India's share of inland waterway transport is only 2%, compared to developed countries like the USA. To address this, the government plans to invest ₹12,000 crore in National Waterway 5 to increase cargo handling from 1 million tons to 12-14 million tons annually. National Waterway 5 is located on the Mahanadi River in Odisha.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Indian government is investing ₹12,000 crore to develop inland waterways, specifically focusing on National Waterway 5.
• 😀 Inland waterways are more efficient for transporting goods compared to roadways, with the ability to carry 10 times more goods at the same cost.
• 😀 Developed countries like Russia, Germany, and the USA have highly effective inland waterway systems that contribute to their transportation efficiency.
• 😀 In India, the share of inland waterways in total transportation is only 2%, which is significantly lower than developed nations.
• 😀 Due to the low use of inland waterways, transportation costs in India are higher, around 14% compared to 8% in countries like the USA.
• 😀 According to the report, 1 liter of petrol can transport only 24 tons of goods by road, while 245 tons can be transported by inland waterways.
• 😀 The government's plan aims to increase the cargo transported by National Waterway 5 from 1 million tons to 12-14 million tons per year.
• 😀 The Mahanadi River is the location of National Waterway 5, which is being developed as part of the national transport infrastructure.
• 😀 Improved inland waterways can reduce logistics costs, boosting the Indian economy by making transportation more efficient.
• 😀 The development of inland waterways is seen as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to road transport, aligning with global trends in the transport sector.

Q & A

Why is the Indian government spending ₹12,000 crores on inland waterways in Odisha?

The government is investing ₹12,000 crores to improve National Waterway 5 in Odisha, which will significantly enhance the transport capacity of inland waterways. This will reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency in the movement of goods, helping India compete globally with developed countries.

What are the advantages of inland waterways over road transportation?

Inland waterways allow for the transportation of significantly larger quantities of goods compared to road transport. For example, 1 liter of petrol can transport only 24 tons of goods by road, while the same amount can transport 245 tons by water. This makes inland waterways a more efficient and cost-effective option.

What percentage of India’s total transportation is done via inland waterways?

Currently, inland waterways account for only 2% of India's total transportation. This is much lower than in developed countries, where the share of water transport is much higher.

How does the transportation cost in India compare to developed countries like the USA?

In the USA and similar developed countries, the cost of transporting goods is significantly lower. In India, transportation costs can be as high as 14%, whereas in countries like the USA, it is only around 8%. This difference is largely due to the underdeveloped state of India’s inland water transport infrastructure.

What is the expected impact of the investment in National Waterway 5 on cargo transportation?

The ₹12,000 crore investment in National Waterway 5 is expected to increase the annual cargo transport from 1 million tons to 12-14 million tons. This substantial growth will help in reducing logistics costs and improving the efficiency of goods movement across the country.

Which river does National Waterway 5 run through?

National Waterway 5 runs through the Mahanadi River, which is located in the state of Odisha.

What is the significance of developed inland waterways in countries like Russia, Germany, and the USA?

In countries like Russia, Germany, and the USA, developed inland waterways play a crucial role in reducing transportation costs and enhancing the movement of goods. These countries rely on well-developed water transport systems, which help in lowering logistics costs and improving overall economic efficiency.

How much more cargo can be transported via inland waterways compared to roads?

Inland waterways can transport up to 10 times more cargo than road transport, using the same amount of fuel. For example, while road transport can move only 24 tons per liter of petrol, inland waterways can move 245 tons using the same amount of fuel.

What is the main reason behind the higher transportation costs in India?

The main reason behind the higher transportation costs in India is the underutilization and underdevelopment of inland waterways. While other countries rely heavily on water transport, India’s share of inland waterways in total transportation is just 2%, leading to higher costs for road transport.

What are the future goals for India’s National Waterways program?

The future goals of India’s National Waterways program are to significantly expand the use of inland waterways for goods transport. This includes increasing the share of inland waterways in total transportation, improving infrastructure, and reducing logistics costs, which will ultimately make India’s economy more competitive on the global stage.