News
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Development of inland water transport systemISLAMABAD: The economics of cargo movement over water are universally accepted, without any question. One litre of fuel will take one tonne of cargo 20 kilometres by road, while through water the same one litre will carry one tonne 180 kilometres.
Compared to the $1 million per kilometre cost of road construction plus huge annual maintenance expenses, waterways development and maintenance are a fraction of that.
The extensive river and canal network of Pakistan was used over centuries for transportation. In the 1930’s, Sukkur Barrage was built on the Indus River, as without any locks river transport dried up. Cargos shifted to the newly developed railroads. There is no cargo movement on the waterways now, despite the fact that huge fuel savings can be achieved in a country highly dependent on expensive imported fuel.
In 2009, the government established a task force to revamp the maritime industry, chaired by Naeem Sarfraz. Amongst its recommendations, the task force proposed activating cargo movement on inland waterways.
In two presentations to the president of Pakistan and relevant ministers and secretaries, approval was accorded for:
Preparing legislation to establish an Inland Water Transport Authority.
Developing three pilot projects on the Indus River, Nara and Punjab canals.
All stakeholders were consulted. Consents of provinces were received and comments of relevant federal ministries were incorporated, both in the pilot project and the draft legislation for Inland Water Transport Authority.
Draft legislation is currently awaiting enactment by parliament.
The site for the first pilot project was selected on a 200km stretch of the Indus River, from Nowshera to Kalabagh because:
The river is deep, with no discharges.
As it passes through gorges, bridges are high and do not require raising.
Two factories already exist on the bank of the river producing 18,000 tonnes of cement and fertiliser daily, much of which are presently transported north over a 400km road network. There is also substantial bulk cargo like rock salt and rock phosphate moved from north to south. All this cargo can easily be diverted to the river, with considerable economy in cost of transportation and in saving fuel.
West Bank of the Indus is under-developed. New shipping activity will greatly help in development of the area.
Survey of this 200km stretch has been completed. Charts have been made and a navigable channel identified. Relatively limited dredging is needed at certain spots. It is ready for immediate use by small barges.
A government notification has been issued for establishing the first Pilot Project Cell on the 200km stretch from Nowshera to Kalabagh.
The cell will be headed by a serving naval officer of the rank of commodore, assisted by a specialist surveyor of the rank of commander/Lt commander, a dozen sailors and appropriate office and logistics staff.
The cell will prepare rules and regulations for use of the waterways. It will establish and mark the navigable channel. It will also assist the government in finalising the project PC-II currently with the Planning Commission; and with the steering the draft Inland Water Transport Authority Act through parliament.
The Pilot Project Cell will acquire a number of survey boats, security boats, safety tugs and small workboats on loan from the Pakistan Navy, WAPDA and other government organisations; pending acquisition of its own craft after the PC-II is approved. PC-II will also cover administrative costs for shore and afloat personnel plus the preparation of the navigation channel. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk