By Ayesha Saba ISLAMABAD, Mar. 2 (INP-WealthPK): The fuel-efficient and environment-friendly modes of transportation are under-utilised in Pakistan because it did not develop any inland water transport system for mass transit like roads and railways. Throughout the world, waterways represent one of the largest transportation networks available behind rail and roadways. Navigable waterways include natural or artificial bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or canals, that are used to transport passengers and goods. There are over 600,000km of navigable waterways in the world, with largest networks located in China, Russia, Brazil, and the US. These inland waterways are considered as the lifeline of the country. Not only do they serve the transportation obligations of the nation, but also serve as recreational and adventure sports hubs, boosting local tourism at scenic settings along the rivers. Despite abundance of rivers and canals in Pakistan, this potential has largely been untapped due to a lack of specific transportation regulations and investment. A spokesperson for Indus River System Authority (IRSA) while speaking to WealthPK stated that Indus River system is one of the most extensively modified river systems in the world. “With its four tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej) and developed canal system, Indus River system has the capacity to create 30,000 kilometres of inland waterways, which is three times the length of present road networks,” he said. The spokesperson said Pakistan has zero waterways despite 30,000km of well-developed riverine and canal systems. Unfortunately, the utilization of riverine and canal systems in Pakistan for transporting goods and persons was never seriously cogitated. “In this instance, there are no building expenses, logistic barriers/costs of land acquisition, community relocation and compensation, and so on. As a result, the development of inland waterways may be considered as a possible mode of transportation for the country because it will deliver road networks with much-needed relief by providing an alternative cost-efficient mode for moving people and goods,” said the spokesperson. “If serious efforts are not made to start inland water transport on immediate basis, Pakistan would not be able to reap the full benefits of its water resources despite increasing commercial and economic activity, resulting in slowdown of the country's economic progress,” he added. Recently, the World Bank prepared a report on improving inland waterways transportation (IWT) in Pakistan, which states that while the mode is socio-economically viable, it is anticipated to result in significant economic advantages for Pakistan, as evidenced by freight and passenger flow projections. Waterborne transport has always proved as the catalyst for economic development, as evidenced by the number of cities located along coastlines and navigable waterways.  Inland waterway transport is generally acknowledged as a clean, safe, and most energy-efficient mode of transport when compared to land-based systems which are often confronted with congestion and capacity problems. Despite the benefits of this sector, the lack of an institutional, legal, and regulatory framework has stifled its growth. In Pakistan, the paradigm shift from road transport to inland navigation would also significantly boost the economy by lowering logistic costs and providing support to local communities along waterways. So, there is a dire need to invest in this sector with the help of public and private partnerships.