To promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) in the country, ____________ waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016. 

The correct answer is 111.

Key Points

• The National Waterways Act, 2016 declared 111 inland waterways as National Waterways (NWs).
• This act aims to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) in the country, providing an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation.
• The declared NWs spread across 24 states and 2 Union Territories, covering around 20,275 km of rivers, canals, estuaries, and coastal stretches.
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the regulatory body responsible for the development and maintenance of these National Waterways.

Additional Information

• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
  • Established in 1986, IWAI is the statutory authority in charge of the waterways in India.
  • It primarily undertakes projects for the development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways.
  • Its responsibilities include construction of terminals, fairway development, and navigation facilities.
• National Waterways
  • National Waterway 1 (NW-1): Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, extending 1,620 km from Haldia to Allahabad.
  • National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra river from Dhubri to Sadiya, covering 891 km.
  • National Waterway 3 (NW-3): West Coast Canal from Kottapuram to Kollam, encompassing 205 km.
• Benefits of Inland Water Transport
  • Reduction in logistics cost and fuel consumption compared to road and rail transport.
  • Environmentally friendly mode of transportation with lower carbon emissions.
  • Enhanced connectivity to remote and rural areas, boosting economic activities and trade.
• Challenges in IWT Development
  • Seasonal variations in water levels affecting navigation.
  • Requirement of significant investment in infrastructure development.
  • Need for modernization and technological advancement in vessel design and port facilities.