Parliament has approved National Waterways Bill, 2015 with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in the last session. The bill aims at declaring 106 additional inland waterways as National Waterways. <br/><br/>After the inclusion these waterways to the existing five national waterways, the total number of national waterways goes upto one hundred and eleven. <br/><br/>Replying to a debate on the bill, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, the declaration of National Waterways and its subsequent development will enhance the industrial growth and tourism potential of the hinterland along the waterway. <br/><br/>He said, it will also provide an additional, cheaper and environment friendly mode of transportation throughout the country.The Bill would enable Inland Waterways Authority of India to develop the feasible stretches for Shipping and Navigation.