comment on the morden water transport in india
Answers
Water transport is the most affordable and the oldest mode of transportation around the globe. It operates on a natural track and hence does not require huge capital investment in the construction and maintenance of its track except in case of artificially built canals. The cost of operation of water transport is also very less. It has the largest carrying capacity and is most suitable for carrying bulky goods across continents.
Water transport can be of 2 types :
1. Inland water transport -
It refers to canals or river transportation.
2. Ocean transport - Ocean transport is indispensable when it comes to import and export purposes. It operates on a natural track, i.e., the sea and does not require any investment in the construction and maintenance of its track.
• Around 95% of India’s trading by volume and 70% by value is done through maritime transport.
India has 12 major and 205 notified minor and intermediate ports in cities such as Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Mumbai, Manglore, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam etc. Under the National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala, six new mega ports will be developed in the country.
• Some of the government initiatives for water transport include Jal Marg Vikas Project and Central Road & Infrastructure fund.
• However, the government needs to open up the dredging market to attract more players, particularly international players, in dredging activities to increase and maintain draft depth at ports to attract large vessels and enable them to become hub ports.