UPSC Mapping Prelims Mains UPPSC mppsc bpsc

🔆 NAVIGATING INDIA’S WATERWAYS: A SAFER, SMARTER NETWORK 🔆 WHY IN NEWS? 🟢 The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted measures to improve inland waterway navigation through hydrographic surveys, fairway maintenance, riverine lighthouses and digital navigation systems. 🔆 INDIA’S NATIONAL WATERWAYS 🟢 India has 111 National Waterways, spanning 20,187 km across 23 States and 4 Union Territories. 🟢 32 National Waterways are currently operational. 🟢 Inland waterway cargo movement increased from 29 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2014–15 to 218 MMT in 2025–26 — a CAGR of 20.13%. 🟢 The growth has surpassed the 200 MMT target under Maritime India Vision 2030. 🟢 Water transport costs roughly one-third of road freight costs and half of rail freight costs, while generating fewer carbon emissions. 🔆 HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS 🟢 Conducted by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to measure river depth, bed profiles, shoals, flow characteristics and changes affecting navigability. 🟢 Thalweg surveys identify and monitor the deepest navigable channel. 🟢 Terminal and jetty surveys assess water depth and approach conditions. 🟢 As of September 2026, regular thalweg surveys covered 22 National Waterways. 📍 Least Available Depth (LAD) 🟢 LAD is the minimum water depth available in a navigation channel for a particular stretch and period. 🟢 It influences vessel draft, cargo capacity, route planning and seasonal navigation. 🔆 AIDS TO NAVIGATION (AtoN) 🟢 Recognised under the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021. 🟢 Includes buoys, radar beacons, channel markers and lighthouses. 🟢 The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) manages general aids to navigation along India’s coastline. 🟢 National Waterway-3 in Kerala has 312 solar-powered lighted FRP buoys and 17 beacon lamp posts, supporting 24×7 navigation. 🔆 INDIA’S FIRST RIVERINE LIGHTHOUSES 🟢 Announced in March 2026 on National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra). 🟢 Four locations: Pandu, Bogibeel, Silghat and Biswanath Ghat. 🟢 Project cost: ₹74 crore. 🟢 The lighthouses will be 20 metres high, with a geographical range of 14 nautical miles and a luminous range of 8–10 nautical miles. 🟢 Solar-powered operations and weather-observation sensors will support safer navigation. 🟢 NW-2 connects Dhubri to Sadiya across 891 km. Cargo movement increased from 0.90 MMT in 2024–25 to 1.29 MMT in 2025–26. 🔆 DIGITAL NAVIGATION SYSTEMS 🟢 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs): Prepared for 18 operational and tidal waterways as of September 2026; available through portals including PANI and IWAI Vessel Tracker. 🟢 PANI: Portal for Asset and Navigation Information; provides waterway, infrastructure, jetty-connectivity and emergency-service information. 🟢 IWAI Vessel Tracker: Supports real-time vessel tracking, route updates and depth information. 🟢 Naudarshika: National River Traffic and Navigation System launched in 2025, incorporating real-time LAD information. 🟢 River Information Services (RIS): Integrates vessel tracking, weather and water sensors, and communication with control centres. On NW-1, RIS covers three stretches: Haldia–Farakka, Farakka–Patna and Patna–Varanasi. 🔆 SIGNIFICANCE 🟢 Promotes low-cost, energy-efficient and cleaner freight transport. 🟢 Reduces pressure on highways and supports regional connectivity. 🟢 Improves navigation safety, cargo predictability and round-the-clock operations. 🟢 Digital systems enable better traffic management and faster operational decisions. 🔆 UPSC MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION 📍 “Inland waterways can contribute to sustainable and cost-efficient logistics in India, but their potential depends on navigational safety and reliable infrastructure.” Discuss. #InlandWaterways