Identifying areas of intervention for enhancing the attractiveness of Inland waterway transport based on users' perception: A case study of Kerala

An investigation is carried out for identifying areas of interventions for enhancing the attractiveness of Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) with reference to a case study in Kerala, India. Likert-type importance and satisfaction scales were used to collect data from commuters and intervention areas were identified using ImportanceSatisfaction Analysis. Study also identifies expected service delivery levels for the quantitative attributes of IWT. Priority areas were identified by giving due consideration to factor structure of commuters and management scheme of IWT. A total of 12 out of 24 attributes were identified as priority areas of intervention. A majority of the intervention areas belong to qualitative attributes which are generally not given due attention in the improvement planning of transportation services in emerging countries such as India. Based on the identified intervention areas, several recommendations are made for the improvement of IWT giving due consideration to the qualitative and quantitative attributes. The findings of present work are case specific. However, the methodology and experience presented here could encourage researchers to carry out similar works for the improvement of IWT in other locations and also for the improvement of services in various contexts.

Automated summary

This study conducted an investigation in Kerala, India to identify areas for enhancing the attractiveness of Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) using Likert-type scales to collect data from commuters. Through ImportanceSatisfaction Analysis, priority intervention areas were identified, focusing on qualitative attributes with recommendations for improvement. The findings are case specific but could encourage similar works for improving IWT in other locations and contexts.