National Waterways of india, 32 are currently operational out of 111

India has declared 111 rivers and canals as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Out of these, around 32 are currently operational for cargo and passenger movement.

What Are National Waterways?
- Definition: Rivers, canals, estuaries, and creeks identified for inland water transport (IWT).
- Purpose: To promote eco-friendly, cost-effective transport of goods and passengers.
- Coverage: The network spans 20,275 km across India.

Major National Waterways
1. NW-1 - Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly River System (Haldia–Allahabad/Prayagraj), UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB - 1620 (km)
2. NW-2 - Brahmaputra River (Dhubri–Sadiya), Assam - 891 (km)
3. NW-3 - West Coast Canal (Kottapuram–Kollam), Champakara & Udyogmandal Canals, Kerala - 205
4. NW-4 - Krishna–Godavari River System | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, TN, 1078 (km) (various stretches) - Partially operational
5. NW-5 - East Coast Canal, Brahmani–Kharsua–Dhamra Rivers, Mahanadi Delta, Odisha - 623 (km), Under development

Current Operational Waterways
6. NW-8 - Alappuzha-Changanassery Canal
7. NW-9 - Alappuzha-Kottayam-Athirampuzha Canal
8. NW-14 - Baitarni River
9. NW-16 - Barak River
10. NW-23 - Budha Balanga
11. NW-31 - Dhansiri/Chathe
12. NW-44 - Ichamati River
13. NW-48 - Jawai-Luni-Rann Of Kutch River
14. NW-53 - (Kalyan-Thane-Mumbai Waterway, Vasai Creek And Ulhas River)
15. NW-64 - Mahanadi River
16. NW-86 - Rupnarayan River
17. NW-94 - Sone River
18. NW-97 - Sunderbans Waterway
19. NW-10 - Amba River
20. NW-83 - Rajpuri Creek
21. NW-85 - Revadanda Creek-Kundalika River System
22. NW-91 - Shastri River - Jaigad Creek System
23. NW-68 - Mandovi River
24. NW-111 - Zuari River
25. NW-73 - Narmada River
26. NW-100 - Tapi River
27. NW-27 - Cumberjua River
28. NW-47 - Jalangi River
29. NW-87 - Sabarmati River
30. NW-57 - Kopili River
31. NW-110 - Yamuna River
32. NW-40 - Ghaghra River

Cargo & Passenger Movement
- Cargo handled: 55 million tonnes (2017–18) → 72 million tonnes (2018–19).
- Target: Expected to cross 100 million tonnes by 2022 (and growing further).
- Passenger services: Cruise tourism and ferry services are being expanded, especially in Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal.

Challenges & Trade-offs
- Seasonal water flow: Navigation is difficult in dry seasons.
- Infrastructure gaps: Terminals, jetties, and dredging are still being developed.
- Environmental concerns: Dredging and increased traffic can affect river ecosystems.
- Coordination: Requires cooperation between central and state governments.

Key Takeaway
National Waterways are India’s push towards green, economical transport. While only a fraction of the 111 waterways are fully operational today, the government is steadily expanding infrastructure to make inland water transport a major mode for both cargo and passenger travel.