(a) whether as per the National Transport Policy Committee, the potential of Inland Water Transport, known as cost effective & environment friendly mode of transport, has not been exploited fully;
(b) if so, the reasons therefore; and
(c) the targets fixed and achievements made so far in this regard?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector has remained neglected in India for long and suffers from several handicaps, most importantly, absence of basic infrastructural facilities.
(c) Government is committed to making the following interventions in order to improve IWT infrastructure:
(i) Making the existing National Waterways fully functional by providing requisite infrastructure (terminals, navigational aids etc.)
(ii) Engaging States in IWT infrastructure development through liberal Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
(iii) Assisting IWT Operators in acquiring suitable vessels through Vessel Building Subsidy Scheme; and
(iv) Encouraging private sector participation and joint ventures between IWAI and private sector.