Which of the following is a major challenge facing the development of inland waterways in India?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Lack of adequate terminal facilities

Explanation:

• One of the major challenges facing the development of inland waterways in India is the lack of adequate terminal facilities.

• Despite the potential of inland water transport (IWT) as an eco-friendly, cost-effective mode of transport, the absence of modern terminals, ports, and handling infrastructure is a key obstacle. This limits the capacity to efficiently load, unload, and manage cargo, making inland water transport less competitive compared to other modes like road and rail.

Information Booster:

• Inland waterways have the potential to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions, but proper infrastructure such as terminals, logistics hubs, and adequate mechanized cargo handling are required to realize these benefits.

• The National Waterways in India are underutilized, and there are ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand the necessary infrastructure.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and investment in port development are essential to meet the growing demand for inland water transport.