India - Waterways | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

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India- Waterways 
 
 
 
Inland Waterways Map of India 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse and extensive network of waterways, boasts a vast 
system of inland rivers, backwaters, canals, and creeks. With an overall navigable 
length of 14,500 kilometers, these waterways play a crucial role in facilitating 
both public and freight transportation throughout the country. To help manage 
and regulate this expansive network, the Indian government established the 
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on October 27, 1986. 
 
Page 2


India- Waterways 
 
 
 
Inland Waterways Map of India 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse and extensive network of waterways, boasts a vast 
system of inland rivers, backwaters, canals, and creeks. With an overall navigable 
length of 14,500 kilometers, these waterways play a crucial role in facilitating 
both public and freight transportation throughout the country. To help manage 
and regulate this expansive network, the Indian government established the 
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on October 27, 1986. 
 
India- Waterways 
 
 
The IWAI, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, operates with regional offices 
in Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kochi, as well as sub-offices in Allahabad, 
Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Farrakka, and Kollam. As the legal authority responsible for 
India's waterways, the IWAI undertakes various tasks such as constructing 
essential infrastructure, conducting economic surveys for potential projects, and 
administering, developing, and regulating the waterways for navigation and 
shipping purposes. 
National Waterways in India 
India currently has five designated national waterways, each offering specific 
routes and lengths for efficient transport. These national waterways are 
instrumental in facilitating the movement of cargo and promoting trade and 
commerce across different regions. Let's explore each of these waterways in 
detail: 
1. National Waterway 1: Spanning the Allahabad-Haldia stretch of the 
Ganges, Bhagirath, and Hooghly river system, National Waterway 1 was 
established in October 1986. With a length of 1,620 kilometers, it serves as 
a vital transportation corridor, connecting multiple cities and facilitating 
trade along the river system. 
2. National Waterway 2: National Waterway 2 encompasses the Sadiya-
Dhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra River. Established in September 1982, 
this waterway spans a total length of 891 kilometers. It serves as a crucial 
transportation route in the northeastern region, fostering connectivity and 
trade opportunities. 
3. National Waterway 3: Covering the Kottapuram-Kollam stretch of the West 
Coast Canal, Champakara Canal, and Udyogmandal Canal, National 
Waterway 3 was established in February 1993. With a length of 205 
kilometers, it plays a significant role in promoting waterborne 
transportation along the scenic West Coast. 
4. National Waterway 4: National Waterway 4 comprises the Kakinada-
Pondicherry stretch of canals, the Kaluvelly Tank, the Bhadrachalam-
Rajahmundry stretch of the River Godavari, and the Wazirabad-Vijayawada 
Page 3


India- Waterways 
 
 
 
Inland Waterways Map of India 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse and extensive network of waterways, boasts a vast 
system of inland rivers, backwaters, canals, and creeks. With an overall navigable 
length of 14,500 kilometers, these waterways play a crucial role in facilitating 
both public and freight transportation throughout the country. To help manage 
and regulate this expansive network, the Indian government established the 
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on October 27, 1986. 
 
India- Waterways 
 
 
The IWAI, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, operates with regional offices 
in Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kochi, as well as sub-offices in Allahabad, 
Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Farrakka, and Kollam. As the legal authority responsible for 
India's waterways, the IWAI undertakes various tasks such as constructing 
essential infrastructure, conducting economic surveys for potential projects, and 
administering, developing, and regulating the waterways for navigation and 
shipping purposes. 
National Waterways in India 
India currently has five designated national waterways, each offering specific 
routes and lengths for efficient transport. These national waterways are 
instrumental in facilitating the movement of cargo and promoting trade and 
commerce across different regions. Let's explore each of these waterways in 
detail: 
1. National Waterway 1: Spanning the Allahabad-Haldia stretch of the 
Ganges, Bhagirath, and Hooghly river system, National Waterway 1 was 
established in October 1986. With a length of 1,620 kilometers, it serves as 
a vital transportation corridor, connecting multiple cities and facilitating 
trade along the river system. 
2. National Waterway 2: National Waterway 2 encompasses the Sadiya-
Dhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra River. Established in September 1982, 
this waterway spans a total length of 891 kilometers. It serves as a crucial 
transportation route in the northeastern region, fostering connectivity and 
trade opportunities. 
3. National Waterway 3: Covering the Kottapuram-Kollam stretch of the West 
Coast Canal, Champakara Canal, and Udyogmandal Canal, National 
Waterway 3 was established in February 1993. With a length of 205 
kilometers, it plays a significant role in promoting waterborne 
transportation along the scenic West Coast. 
4. National Waterway 4: National Waterway 4 comprises the Kakinada-
Pondicherry stretch of canals, the Kaluvelly Tank, the Bhadrachalam-
Rajahmundry stretch of the River Godavari, and the Wazirabad-Vijayawada 
India- Waterways 
 
 
stretch of the River Krishna. Established in November 2008, this waterway 
spans a length of 1,095 kilometers, facilitating the movement of cargo and 
enhancing trade in the region. 
5. National Waterway 5: Encompassing the Talcher-Dhamra stretch of the 
Brahmani River, the Geonkhali-Charbatia stretch of the East Coast Canal, 
the Charbatia-Dhamra stretch of the Matai River, and the Mangalgadi-
Paradip stretch of the Mahanadi River Delta, National Waterway 5 was 
established in November 2008. This waterway covers a length of 623 
kilometers, contributing significantly to the transportation infrastructure of 
the eastern region. 
6. National Waterway 6 (Proposed): While not yet established, plans are 
underway for the creation of National Waterway 6, which will stretch from 
Lakhipur to Bhanga along the Barak River. Once completed, this waterway 
will span a total length of 121 kilometers, providing an additional avenue 
for waterborne transportation in the region. 
Conclusion 
India's inland waterways form a vital part of the country's transportation 
infrastructure, allowing for the efficient movement of goods and people. With the 
continued development and expansion of these waterways, India is poised to 
enhance its connectivity, foster economic growth, and explore new avenues for 
trade and commerce in the future.