Government initiatives:

♤ Inland waterway projects will be developed with PPP and infusion of FDI.

♤ The Union government is working on a strategy to increase the movement of goods and passengers through waterways by nearly five-fold from a mere 3.5% now to 15% by 2019.

♤ To encourage transportation of goods by coastal shipping, service tax has been brought on par with road and rail transport.

♤ RIS has been launched to facilitate safe, accurate navigation.

♤ The National Waterways Act 2016 identifies 101 waterways as national waterways, in addition to the five existing.

♤ Pradhan Mantri Jal Marg Yojna launched to provide dry ports and satellite port to landlocked states and convert rivers into waterways.

♤ The ‘Jal Marg Vikas’ project will develop a fairway with 3 meters depth to enable

bigger commercial navigation vessels.

♤ Sagar Mala to connect ports to inland through rail, road and inland waterways.

7. Even though the construction sector has significant multiplier effect on the economy, in recent years, it has been showing signs of stress. What are the causes for such a state of affairs? In this context, also highlight the steps taken by the government.Answer:8. India’s rail infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the rate at which both passenger and freight traffic has increased substantially over the years. Comment. In light of the Kakodar committee recommendations, enumerate the measures that can be taken in this regard.Answer: