Which of the following National Waterways is the longest in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System (Haldia - Allahabad).
The Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System, designated as National Waterway 1 (NW-1), is the longest national waterway in India, stretching about 1,620 kilometers from Haldia (West Bengal) to Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh). This waterway plays a crucial role in facilitating inland cargo transport across multiple states and reducing pressure on rail and road networks. It passes through key cities such as Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi. NW-1 is part of India's larger effort to develop inland waterways for economical and eco-friendly transportation. Other options listed, while important, are shorter in length compared to NW-1.
Other Options:
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North Buckingham Canal (Peddaganjam to Central Station of Chennai): Much shorter in length and primarily serves the Tamil Nadu coast.
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West Coast Canal (Kottapuram - Kollam), Champakara and Udyogmandal Canals: Important for Kerala’s backwaters but significantly shorter.
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Brahmaputra River (Dhubri - Sadiya): Known as NW-2, and while long (~891 km), it's still shorter than NW-1.