Explain three factors which are responsible for the development of inland waterways.

Explanation

The significance of inland waterways for domestic and international transport and trade has been recognised throughout the developed world. Many rivers have been modified to enhance their navigability by dredging, stabilising river banks, and building dams and barrages for regulating the flow of water. They are the important highways of commerce.
Rivers, canals, lakes and coastal areas have been important waterways since 1 time immemorial. Boats and steamers are used as means of transport for cargo and passengers. The development of inland waterways is dependent on the navigability width and depth of the channel, continuity in the water flow, and transport technology in use. Rivers are the only means of transport in dense forests. Very heavy cargo like coal, cement, timber and metallic ores can be transported through inland waterways.