Why Public Waterway Systems for Transport Are Rare, Despite the Existence of Waterways

Despite the existing waterways, public transport systems via water are few and far between. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and provides examples of cities where waterways are effectively utilized for public transport.

Why Road Transport Reigns Supreme

The dominance of road transport over water transport can be attributed to several key factors:

Ease of Construction: Constructing roads is far more straightforward and cost-effective than building complex waterways. A case in point is the South Yorkshire Light Railway (SYL) canal. Maintenance: Once constructed, roads generally require minimal maintenance. In contrast, waterways necessitate continuous water supply, which may be interrupted by seasonal fluctuations or lack of rainfall.

While roads are a more reliable constant, waterways are essential for certain regions and infrastructure. However, they are not widely adopted for public transport due to their fragility and the need for constant water supply.

Examples of Public Waterway Systems

Despite the challenges, some cities have successfully integrated waterways into their public transport systems. Below are a few examples:

Kolkata

Kolkata is a city that has implemented a network of waterways for public transport, making it easier for residents to travel by water taxi. The waterways here are an essential part of the city's transportation infrastructure, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.

Mumbai

Mumbai, India, also utilizes waterways for public transport. The city's waterways are used to transport goods and people, contributing significantly to the city’s transportation network.

Dahej-Ghogha

The Dahej-Ghogha waterway was inaugurated on October 22, 2017, and it serves as a crucial link in the city's transportation network. This system has been instrumental in enhancing accessibility and reducing traffic congestion.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following news article.

The Challenges of Building Public Waterway Systems

There are several challenges that hinder the widespread implementation of public waterway systems in most cities:

Urban Population Distribution: Less than 20% of the world’s population lives in cities that are near any significant water bodies, making water transportation less feasible. Water Availability: While freshwater makes up only a small fraction of the Earth's total water supply, it is essential for sustaining waterway systems. Rivers and lakes, which are more suitable for transport, account for an even smaller percentage. This scarcity of water can limit the viability of these systems.

Furthermore, while water transport can be efficient for certain routes, the transport of goods and passengers often requires multi-modal integration, which can complicate the logistics. For example, boats have difficulty stopping and parking due to the lack of friction in water, and as boats get larger, they may need to avoid shallow waters, requiring the use of alternative modes of transport in these areas.

Conclusion

While the concept of a public waterway system for transport is sound and has been successfully implemented in cities like Venice and parts of Thailand, it is not feasible on a widespread scale. The vast majority of land is not proximate to significant water bodies, and the maintenance and reliability of waterways pose significant challenges.

However, in cities with suitable water resources, waterway systems have been shown to complement existing transport networks, offering an eco-friendly and efficient mode of travel.

See more images of Venice's waterways | See the boat markets of Bangkok