24-February -2025-Special-Article

INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT (IWT) TERMINAL AT JOGIGHOPA, ASSAM

The Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, has been inaugurated to enhance cargo transportation using India’s extensive inland waterways network. This terminal is a significant step toward improving connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening trade relations with neighboring countries.

Key Features of the Jogighopa IWT Terminal

• Location: Situated on the Brahmaputra River, designated as National Waterway-2 (NW-2).
• Connectivity: Links the Bangladesh Border (Dhubri) to Sadiya, covering 891 km.
• Economic Impact: Part of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, aimed at boosting economic growth through enhanced water transport.
• International Trade Hub: Functions as an international port for Bhutan and Bangladesh, reducing reliance on road networks.
• Integration with Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP): Facilitates cargo movement by linking waterways with road and rail transport.
• Boost to Regional Development: Strengthens India’s Act East Policy by enhancing trade and connectivity with Southeast Asian nations.
• Reduction in Transport Costs: Water transport is more economical compared to road and rail, leading to lower logistics expenses.

About Inland Waterways Transport (IWT)

It involves the transportation of goods and passengers using rivers, canals, and other navigable water bodies.

Key Regulatory Acts:

• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Act, 1985: Led to the establishment of IWAI, responsible for developing and maintaining national waterways.
• National Waterways Act, 2016: Identified 111 inland waterways as National Waterways (NWs) for better navigation and trade.
• Inland Vessels Act, 2021: Standardized regulations for inland vessels, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Criteria for National Waterway Status: A waterway is declared a National Waterway if:

• It is navigable by powered vessels.
• It spans at least 50 km (except urban areas and intra-port traffic).
• It connects multiple states or serves strategic national security purposes.
• It links remote regions or major trade hubs.

Growth of Inland Waterways in India

Expansion: Since 2014, operational National Waterways have increased by 767%, and cargo handling has risen by 635%.

Cargo Growth: Cargo traffic has surged from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes (FY 2023-24), with a 22% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

Government Initiatives:

• Maritime India Vision 2030: Aims to modernize port infrastructure and boost inland shipping.
• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on enhancing port-led development and connectivity.
• National Perspective Plan: Includes river interlinking projects for better water transport utilization.

Major National Waterways in India

Benefits and Challenges of Inland Waterways Transport in India

Way Forward

Enhancing Cargo and Passenger Movement

• Integration with Economic Zones: Link waterways to industrial hubs like PM MITRA parks and Mega Food Parks.
• Promote Cruise Tourism: Initiate programs like Cruise Bharat Mission to attract tourists and boost inland passenger movement.
• Jalvahak Scheme: Implement scheduled cargo services on key National Waterways to enhance reliability.

Financial and Policy Support

• Inland Waterways Development Funds: Allocate dedicated funds for infrastructure development.
• Riverine Community Development Scheme: Support traditional boatmen and local communities dependent on river transport.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

• Encouraging Private Investment: Offer financial incentives for terminal development, vessel manufacturing, and logistics hubs.
• Tax Benefits: Provide tax rebates to private players investing in inland waterway projects.

Sustainable Development

• Green Vessels: Promote eco-friendly boats using alternative fuels.
• Sustainable Dredging: Implement scientific dredging methods to protect aquatic ecosystems and maintain navigability.

Conclusion

The Jogighopa IWT Terminal represents a significant milestone in India’s inland water transport sector. By integrating waterways with multi-modal transport systems, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable practices, India can harness its extensive river network for economic growth and regional connectivity. Strengthening policy support, attracting investments, and ensuring environmental sustainability will be crucial in making inland waterways a key pillar of India’s transport and logistics ecosystem.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the significance of the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa in enhancing regional connectivity, trade, and multimodal logistics in India. (150 WORDS)