Core Insights - By the end of 2024, the total length of Class III and above waterways is expected to reach 16,000 kilometers, representing a 62% increase since 2012 [1] - Major waterways such as the Yangtze River, West River, and Grand Canal have seen continuous capacity improvements, with significant projects like the Jianghan Canal and Jianghuai Canal now operational [1] - The number of major ports has increased, with an average of 10 new berths of over 10,000 tons added annually since 2012, leading to a total of 23 inland ports by 2024, which is 2.3 times that of 2012 [1] - Inland freight volume has reached 4.95 billion tons, which is 2.2 times higher than in 2012, while the cargo turnover volume is approximately 22 trillion ton-kilometers, a decrease to 2.9 times compared to 2012 [1]