Less maintenance cost:
Maintenance cost in rail and road transport is quite high but maintenance cost of water transport is quite less.
2. Cheap:
The transport channel is quite cheap as compared rail and road Transport.
3. Useful for bulky goods:
Heavy and bulky goods can be transported easily at little cost through water transport.
4. Useful during natural calamities:
During natural calamities like flood and rains, when rail and road transport is disrupted, relief operations can be operated through water transport.
5. Helpful in Defence:
Development of shipping is essential for the defence of the country also. It is also called second line of defence.
6. Important for foreign trade:
Water transport plays important role in foreign trade. India’s foreign trade is mainly dependent on water transport.