What are the main hindrances of Internal Navigational Transport? Write any two.

The two main hindrances of internal navigational transport are:

1. The seasonal and inconsistent nature of rivers.
2. Stiff competition from faster and more flexible modes like road and rail transport.

1. Seasonal Nature of Rivers

Inland waterways, especially rivers, are heavily dependent on weather patterns. This makes them unreliable for year-round transportation. 🚧

• Dry Season: During dry seasons, the water level in rivers can drop significantly, making them too shallow and not navigable for boats and steamers.
• Rainy Season: Conversely, during the monsoon or rainy season, rivers can flood, making navigation dangerous and unpredictable.

2. Competition from Other Modes of Transport

Inland water transport faces tough competition from more developed and efficient transportation networks, particularly roads and railways. 🚢

• Speed: Water transport is significantly slower than travel by road or rail. This makes it unsuitable for perishable goods or time-sensitive cargo.
• Flexibility: Roads and railways offer greater flexibility and provide door-to-door service, which rivers and canals cannot. They connect a much wider range of locations, including remote and industrial areas that are not situated on a riverbank.