Patna, June 16 -- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said on Monday that the number of national waterways in India has increased to 111 under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, compared to just five during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.

"Out of the 111 national waterways, 29 are currently operational," Sonowal said while addressing an event organised under the Jal Marg Vikas Project in Bihar's Patna.

He noted that the emergence of national waterways has benefited several states and helped boost the local economy, benefiting farmers, youth and small traders.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi over the past 11 years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in ...