Inland Water Transport (IWT) – UPSC Prelims Pointer

Establishment of IWAI Regional Office in Varanasi for Strengthening Inland Water Transport on National Waterway-1 (Ganga River)

Introduction:
To ensure the effective implementation of Inland Water Transport (IWT) activities and enhance navigation on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) along the Ganga River, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has upgraded its sub-office in Varanasi to a full-fledged Regional Office. This step is crucial in promoting water-based trade and transport in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which lie along the Ganga River.

1. What is National Waterway-1 (NW-1)?

• NW-1 is one of India’s five major national waterways, located along the Ganga River.
• It extends 1,620 km from Haldia (West Bengal) to Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
• The “Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)” is developing this waterway with assistance from the World Bank.
• NW-1 connects Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, significantly improving trade and transport in the region.

2. Importance of Upgrading the Varanasi Regional Office

✅ Better Administrative Oversight: Ensures better monitoring and management of IWT activities.
✅ Enhanced Navigation Infrastructure: Improves safety and accessibility of the waterway.
✅ Boost to Cargo and Passenger Transport: Facilitates commercial freight movement and passenger travel.
✅ Economic Growth for the Region: Increases trade and tourism opportunities.

3. Key Responsibilities of the Varanasi Regional Office

🔹 Ensuring maintenance and depth regulation of the waterway.
🔹 Managing terminals and logistics hubs.
🔹 Overseeing navigation safety measures.
🔹 Promoting local trade and industrial activities.
🔹 Monitoring the progress of the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).

4. Key Points for UPSC Exam

1️⃣ Which states are covered by National Waterway-1 (NW-1)?
→ Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.

2️⃣ Why was the IWAI Regional Office established in Varanasi?
→ To ensure efficient execution of IWT activities on NW-1.

3️⃣ Which organization is assisting India with the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)?
→ The World Bank.

4️⃣ What are the expected benefits of the Varanasi Regional Office?
→ Enhanced inland water transport, improved logistics, and increased trade.

5️⃣ What is the strategic significance of NW-1?
→ It is a crucial waterway for boosting trade and transport in Eastern India, reducing pressure on road and rail networks.

5. Conclusion

The upgradation of IWAI’s Varanasi office marks a major step toward strengthening India’s inland water transport system. The development of NW-1 aligns with India’s Gati Shakti initiative, aimed at improving logistics and promoting cost-effective, eco-friendly transportation.

Future Implications of This Initiative:

🔹 Boosts trade and industrial activities
🔹 Reduces traffic congestion on roads and railways
🔹 Ensures effective utilization of India’s waterway network

This topic is relevant for the UPSC exam, particularly for GS Paper-3 (Infrastructure & Economic Development) and Interview discussions on transportation and logistics.