India to Convert 101 Rivers into Waterways

The Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said that promoting waterways is the top-most priority of the government. He expects this gesture to propel economic growth.  

 

The Ministry has identified 101 rivers across the nation to be converted into waterways, which are much cheaper mode of transport. 

 

He also said that an approval on the bill will be taken from the parliament. The government has so far declared only five river stretches as waterways.  Inland waterways comprising rivers, lakes, canals, creeks, backwaters etc. Extend to about 14,500 km in the country. However, potential of this mode of transport has not been fully exploited so far.

 

Gadkari said a slew of steps were underway to promote the sector as the country was yet to tap the potential of waterways despite being cost effective than road and rail transport adding that waterways could contribute significantly in propelling economic growth