Which of the following is the cheapest mode of transport?

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Waterways is an important mode of transport for both passenger and cargo traffic in India. It is the cheapest means of transport and is most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky material. It is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport. The water transport is of two types– (a) inland waterways (b) oceanic waterways.

Inland Waterways was the chief mode of transport before the advent of railways. It, however, faced tough competition from road and railway transport. Moreover, diversion of river water for irrigation purposes made them non-navigable in large parts of their courses. India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways. It comprises rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. For the development, maintenance and regulation of national waterways in the country, the Inland Waterways Authority was set up in 1986. To create wide waterways network and to promote inland water transport as an economical, environment friendly supplementary mode of transport to rail and road, 111 inland waterways were declared as National Waterways by the National Waterways Act, 2016. The Inland Waterways Authority has also identified 10 other inland waterways, which could be upgraded. The backwaters (Kayal) of Kerala has special significance in Inland Waterway. Apart from providing cheap means of transport, they also attract many tourists in Kerala. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race (VALLAMKALI) is also held in the backwaters.

India has a vast coastline of approximate 7,517 km, including islands. Twelve major and 200 minor ports provide infrastructural support to these routes. Oceanic routes play an important role in the transport sector of India’s economy. Approximately 95 per cent of India’s foreign trade by volume and 70 per cent by value moves through ocean routes. Apart from international trade, these are also used for the purpose of transportation between the islands and the rest of the country.