UPSC Mains 2016 · GS I · Q19 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.

हिन्दी में

भारत में अंतर्देशीय जल परिवहन की समस्याओं एवं सम्भावनाओं को गिनाइए।

Human Geography Water

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Discuss how inland water transport can alter the economy of eastern India.”

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 103 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

India carries only 10% of total freight through waterways (40-50% in western world).

Body · points

Role of Inland water transport

Reduce shipping cost → waterways 2.5 times cheaper than road

Diagram

[A rough outline map of India highlighting Eastern India, with lines marking NW-1 along the Ganga and NW-2 along the Brahmaputra]

Increase port connectivity → NW-1
Reduce overall logistic cost from 13% to 7-8%.
Integrate region into global value chain

Incentivise exports from region
Reduce carbon emission from region → clean development
Job potential of waterways
Will bring investment and FDI in region due to better connectivity
Regional specialisation & integration of the region

Diagram

- Issues - Water ways not operation - Infrastructure challenges - Lack of shipping capability

Close · a summary

Recognition of 111 waterways and Sagarmala initiative will completely transform Eastern India.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Inspite being one of the largest producer of fish, there is still considerable scope of improvement in the fishery sector. In light of the above statement, discuss the problems and prospects of Fishery industry in India with respect to both inland and marine fisheries.1 answer

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Q19. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.