Landmark: Farakka-Patna RIS

The 2nd phase of RIS on National Waterway-1 on the 410 km Farakka-Patna stretch will enhance swift electronic data transfer between mobile vessels and base stations on shore through advance and real-time exchange of information.

It is a form of vessel traffic management using next generation technology. It will help in crises management and enhanced inland navigation safety by preventing ship-to-ship collisions, ship-bridge collisions, groundings etc.

The service will immensely help in optimization of navigation and minimize collision risks in the waterway thus benefitting the users greatly.

The services are being used in advanced waterways of Europe, China and US. The operationalization of this system in India is a landmark in itself.

Under phase II, five base stations – Manihari, Bhagalpur, Munger, Barh and Hatidah and one control station have been made at Patna.

Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing the project in three phases on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) at a cost of about Rs.57 crore.

Earlier, in 2016, the first phase of RIS – 545 km on Haldia-Farakka stretch was commissioned. Work on third, 356 kms Patna-Varanasi stretch is currently in progress.

RIS aims to streamline the exchange of information between waterway operators and users.

RIS Services are a combination of sensors like Automated Identification system, Meteorological and Hydrological equipment and software related services designed to optimize traffic and transport processes in inland navigation. RIS works on the lines of Air Traffic Controls. fiinews.com