The aviation sector is struggling for survival, while roadways and railways are bleeding the treasury dry. Inland navigation is economical and environment-friendly. More than 25 years ago, India passed an Act to commercially use its 14,000 kilometres of waterways to ferry people and goods. But over the years, the sector has not gained prominence. Anupam Chakravartty and Arnab Pratim Dutta look at why this sector has become a slow boat to China