India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. Freight transportation by waterways is highly underutilized in the country as compared to developed countries. India's hinterland connectivity is mainly based on road and rail with domestic waterways— both coastal shipping and inland waterways—playing a limited role. Globally domestic waterways are found to be cost effective as well as environmentally friendly means of transporting freight