Importance of waterways in India-Waterways is an important mode of transport for both passenger and cargo traffic in India. It is the cheapest means of transport and is most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky material. It is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport.
Feature of national waterways-NW 1-Allahabad-Haldia stretch-It is navigable by mechanical boats up to Patna and by ordinary boats up to Haridwar.
It is divided into three parts for developmental purposes-
(i) Haldia-Farakka (560 km),
(ii) Farakka-Patna (460 km),
(iii) PatnaAllahabad (600 km).
NW 2-Sadiya-Dhubri stretch-Brahmaputra is navigable by steamers up to Dibrugarhwhich is shared by India and Bangladesh.
