Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, how many inland waterways have been declared as ‘national waterways’?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 111.
 National Waterways Act, 2016: Under this Act, 111 inland waterways have been declared as 'national waterways' in India.
 The aim of this legislation is to develop and regulate inland water transport to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth.
 The declaration of these waterways as national waterways enables the government to develop these routes for commercial shipping and navigation.
 This move is intended to boost trade and reduce the transportation costs of goods by providing an efficient and sustainable mode of transport.
Important National Waterways:
 National Waterway 1 (NW-1): Runs from Allahabad (Prayagraj) to Haldia on the Ganges-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (1,620 km).
 National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Extends from Sadiya to Dhubri on the Brahmaputra river (891 km).
 National Waterway 3 (NW-3): Covers the West Coast Canal from Kottapuram to Kollam along with Champakara and Udyogmandal canals (205 km).
 National Waterway 4 (NW-4): Stretches from Kakinada to Puducherry through canals, the Kaluvelly tank, and rivers (1,078 km).
 National Waterway 5 (NW-5): Runs along the East Coast Canal with Brahmani river and Mahanadi delta (588 km).