The correct option is NW-1 (Allahabad-Haldia).
Explanation
Inland water transport in India is regulated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Several river stretches and canals have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) to improve navigation and cargo transport. The length and navigability of these waterways vary significantly based on the river systems they utilize.
Analysis of Options:
- NW-1 (Allahabad-Haldia): This waterway operates on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. It spans approximately 1,620 km, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It is the longest National Waterway in India.
- NW-2 (Sadiya-Dhubri): This waterway is located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam and has a length of 891 km.
- NW-3 (Kollam-Kottapuram): Situated in Kerala, this waterway includes the West Coast Canal along with the Champakara and Udyogmandal canals. Its length is 205 km.
- NW-4 (Kakinada-Puducherry): This waterway integrates the canals of the Godavari and Krishna rivers with the Buckingham Canal. Its total length is 1,078 km.
Key Takeaway:
National Waterway 1 (NW-1), stretching 1,620 km from Prayagraj (Allahabad) to Haldia, is the longest operational inland waterway in India.