Applicability of HEC-RAS and Geospatial Tools for Inland Waterways Transportation Corridor: Case Study of Ganga Basin, Bihar, India

Bihar has the largest networks of Rivers and drainage systems and most of them are perineal. Previously, north Bihar had active inland waterways transportation networks but these days the networks are not in use. Due to rapid urbanization and a hike in fuel prices, the transportation cost within the state has risen in the past few years. The demand for cheaper transportation systems is highly needed in these areas for goods transportation. Recently, the inland waterways authority of India has started a new shipping service in River Ganga only but a few more river networks can also be used for these kinds of activities. A study was conducted to find the inland waterways' potential for the development of a state river transportation corridor for North Bihar India. Various mathematical modeling tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS along with geospatial tools have been used for this study. The result obtained by the study indicates that the six more rivers of the states have the potential for inland waterways transportation along with suitable vessels for transportation. The methodology developed in the study is suitable for the development of waterways transportation corridors at various places. The study also emphasizes selecting the proper places for making the jetties which may be helpful for various activities such as disaster management, industrial fright services, logistic supply, etc.