Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
This concept highlights the potential and challenges of inland water transport for economic development, regional connectivity, and environmental management (e.g., flood control). It serves as a case study for infrastructure development, urban planning conflicts, and environmental degradation in India.
Inland waterways are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transport, crucial for economic development and regional connectivity. India has a vast network of rivers, canals, backwaters, and estuaries, which are being developed as National Waterways under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to promote inland water transport.