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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 12/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (12-03-2025).

Mains Question

“Inland Water Transport (IWT) has the potential to revolutionize Assam’s economy by reducing logistics costs and enhancing trade connectivity. However, several infrastructural and environmental challenges hinder its growth. Analyze the significance of IWT for Assam and suggest measures to overcome the associated challenges.” (GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Economy, Sustainable Development)

Model Answer

Introduction

Inland Water Transport (IWT) is emerging as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient mode of transport, particularly in riverine states like Assam. The Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) and Barak (National Waterway-16) offer immense potential for cargo transport, trade, and regional connectivity.

The recent ₹25,000 crore investment in India’s maritime sector, including port modernization and IWT expansion, is expected to enhance Assam’s trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia. However, several infrastructural, regulatory, and environmental challenges must be addressed to unlock its full potential.

Significance of IWT for Assam’s Economy

✅ 1. Reduction in Logistics Costs & Boost to Trade

IWT is 30-40% cheaper than road and rail transport, reducing freight costs for industries.
Assam’s agriculture, tea, and petroleum sectors can export goods more efficiently.
The India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWTT) facilitates cross-border cargo movement, reducing dependence on congested road routes.

✅ 2. Enhancing Regional Connectivity & Act East Policy

Strengthens trade routes with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and ASEAN nations.
Provides alternative trade corridors during monsoons when road transport is disrupted.
Increases economic integration with Northeast India and mainland India.

✅ 3. Promoting Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Transport

Waterways produce 50% fewer carbon emissions compared to road transport.
Reduces traffic congestion and fuel consumption, making trade more sustainable.

✅ 4. Creation of Employment & Investment Opportunities

Port development and logistics hubs will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Encourages private sector investments in shipbuilding, cargo terminals, and logistics parks.
Boosts river tourism and eco-tourism, creating more revenue streams for Assam.

✅ 5. Strengthening Assam’s Agriculture & Industry

Enables bulk transport of agricultural produce, cement, coal, and fertilizers.
Tea and oil refineries in Assam can reduce export costs by using waterways instead of roads.
Facilitates growth of fisheries, sand mining, and river-based economic activities.

Challenges in Expanding IWT in Assam

✅ 1. Navigational Barriers & River Siltation

The Brahmaputra River faces heavy sedimentation, reducing navigability.
Dredging operations are expensive and need regular maintenance.

✅ 2. Lack of Modern Cargo Handling Infrastructure

Assam’s river ports lack containerized cargo facilities.
Limited night navigation systems reduce efficiency.
Slow cargo loading/unloading at Pandu, Dhubri, and Silchar ports increases turnaround time.

✅ 3. Environmental & Social Concerns

Dredging and riverbed modification can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Large-scale IWT development may affect traditional fishing communities.

✅ 4. Policy & Regulatory Bottlenecks

Multiple agencies (IWAI, state governments, customs, and shipping departments) create bureaucratic delays.
Lack of a single-window clearance system for private sector investment.

✅ 5. Limited Integration with Rail & Road Transport

Poor last-mile connectivity from inland ports to industrial zones.
Absence of seamless multimodal transport hubs in Assam.

Government Measures to Strengthen IWT in Assam

✅ 1. Expansion & Modernization of National Waterways

Dredging operations on NW-2 (Brahmaputra) & NW-16 (Barak) to improve navigability.
Construction of new terminals, warehouses, and cold storage facilities at major river ports.

✅ 2. Strengthening Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model

Encouraging private investment in shipbuilding, port operations, and cargo handling.
Offering tax incentives and subsidies for IWT-based logistics companies.

✅ 3. Enhancing Multimodal Connectivity

Integrating river ports with road and rail networks for seamless cargo movement.
Development of dry ports and logistics hubs in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Dhubri.

✅ 4. Promoting Green Technology & Sustainable River Transport

Introduction of solar-powered ferries and electric cargo vessels to reduce carbon footprint.
Use of AI-based river traffic monitoring systems to improve efficiency.

✅ 5. Expanding India-Bangladesh Water Trade Agreements

Increasing cross-border trade points under the PIWTT agreement.
Strengthening diplomatic ties to allow seamless movement of Indian goods through Bangladesh’s waterways.

Way Forward

✅ 1. Long-Term Investment in IWT Infrastructure

Setting up river-based industrial clusters and economic zones to promote trade.
Expansion of shipbuilding and vessel maintenance industries in Assam.

✅ 2. Faster Regulatory Clearances for IWT Projects

Implementing single-window approvals for inland waterway projects.
Simplifying customs and cargo clearance procedures at river ports.

✅ 3. Training & Skill Development in Maritime Sector

Establishing specialized training institutes for inland water transport professionals.
Encouraging local workforce participation in shipbuilding and port management.

✅ 4. Strengthening Environmental Safeguards

Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before major dredging projects.
Implementing biodiversity conservation programs along Assam’s river ecosystems.

✅ 5. Leveraging Digital Technology for Efficient Water Transport

Implementing AI-based cargo tracking & navigation systems to improve efficiency.
Developing online platforms for real-time monitoring of vessel movements and cargo logistics.

Conclusion

Assam’s inland waterways have immense potential to become a leading transport and trade corridor in Northeast India. With strategic investment, modern infrastructure, and sustainable policies, IWT can reduce logistics costs, strengthen regional trade, and generate employment.

However, challenges such as navigational bottlenecks, environmental risks, and policy delays need to be addressed. By promoting private-sector involvement, ensuring multimodal integration, and expanding international trade agreements, Assam can become a hub for inland water transport and a key player in India’s Act East Policy.

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