National Waterway 1: Navigability

National Waterway 1 (NW-1) is one of the five national waterways in India. It runs from Haldia (West Bengal) to Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) along the Ganges river, covering a distance of 1620 km. NW-1 provides an alternative mode of transportation to road and rail transport and is expected to reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity between various cities and towns along the river.

Navigability of NW-1

Navigability refers to the ability of a waterway to be used for navigation by boats and ships. In the case of NW-1, the waterway is navigable between Allahabad and Haldia. This means that boats and ships can travel along this stretch of the Ganges river without any major obstructions.

The navigability of NW-1 has been achieved through various measures such as dredging, construction of barrages, and installation of navigational aids. The depth of the river has been increased to allow larger vessels to navigate along the waterway. The barrages and locks on the river control the flow of water and maintain a uniform depth, making navigation easier and safer.

Benefits of Navigability of NW-1

The navigability of NW-1 has several benefits, including:

1. Reduced transportation costs: The use of water transport is generally cheaper than road or rail transport. The navigability of NW-1 provides an alternative and cost-effective mode of transportation, which can help reduce transportation costs for goods and passengers.

2. Improved connectivity: The navigability of NW-1 improves connectivity between various cities and towns along the river. This can help in the development of industries and tourism in the region.

3. Environmental benefits: Water transport is considered to be more environmentally friendly than road or rail transport. The use of water transport can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Waterway 1 is navigable between Allahabad and Haldia along the Ganges river. The navigability of NW-1 provides an alternative mode of transportation, which can help reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity between various cities and towns along the river. It also has environmental benefits, making it a sustainable mode of transportation.