Srinagar, J&K – Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of launching inland water transport services, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation within the Union Territory. A high-level meeting, led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, assessed the progress and charted the future course for developing inland water transport infrastructure across the region. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Transport Department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The primary focus of the project is to promote modern water transport systems along Jammu and Kashmir’s major rivers. These systems are designed to be both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Development plans include cruise tourism and urban water transport facilities, with a strong emphasis on upgrading navigational infrastructure on the region’s notified National Waterways. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that these developments could significantly boost tourism and trade in the region.
The meeting addressed critical issues requiring coordination between different departments. These included the removal of coffer dams under bridges, raising HT and LT power lines, and ensuring the provision of electricity and water connections at terminals. Construction of connecting roads, establishing sewage treatment facilities at key ghats, and obtaining permissions for tree cutting and construction activities were also discussed.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed the significant tourism, economic, and environmental benefits that inland waterways could bring to Jammu and Kashmir. He urged concerned departments to work closely with the IWAI to ensure the timely completion of all project components. According to Dulloo, modern water transport infrastructure will not only offer a sustainable transportation mode but will also greatly enhance tourism potential, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activity along the riverfronts throughout the Union Territory.
Dulloo also highlighted the importance of seamlessly integrating water transport facilities with tourism infrastructure. He emphasized the need to maintain ecological sensitivity and preserve the natural character of the rivers and surrounding landscapes. Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the IWAI, presented details on the progress of National Waterway-49 on the Jhelum River, where a 76-kilometer river cruise corridor from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake is under development. (Chairperson, IWAI, Sunil Paliwal elucidated that significant progress has been achieved on the development of National Waterway-49 on river Jhelum).
The construction of eight floating jetties along the Jhelum corridor is currently underway and is expected to be completed by July 2026. The development of associated onshore infrastructure is targeted for completion by July 2027, while the installation of navigational aids is scheduled to be completed by July 2026. IWAI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir are jointly maintaining the fairway along the river stretch by deploying dredgers to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation.
The IWAI is also in the process of procuring ten hybrid electric boats, each with a carrying capacity of 20 passengers. Bids are currently under evaluation, and the contract is likely to be awarded by May 2026, with delivery of the vessels expected by March 2027.
In the Jammu region, cruise tourism infrastructure is also being developed on the Chenab River under National Waterway-26. A nine-kilometer river cruise stretch from Reasi to Akhnoor Fort is proposed, with the construction of two jetties already awarded and expected to be completed by July 2026. The development of onshore facilities has been entrusted to Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation is currently underway and expected to be completed by June 2026. (The meeting was informed that adequate water depth is available throughout the year for cruise operations in the proposed stretch).
Similarly, under National Waterway-84 on the Ravi River, a fifteen-kilometer river cruise corridor is being developed at Sohar in the Jammu district. The construction of a jetty has already been awarded and is likely to be completed by July 2026. DPR preparation for onshore facilities is also in progress through IPRCL and is expected to be finalized by June 2026. Tendering for navigational aids is proposed by July 2026, with completion expected by December 2026.
The presentation also highlighted the status of several enabling interventions necessary for the smooth navigation and operation of inland waterways. Eleven land parcels required for various project components have been identified, with approvals and transfer formalities at different stages of completion. The comprehensive development of inland water transport in Jammu and Kashmir promises to open up new avenues for tourism, economic growth, and sustainable transportation, transforming the region’s riverfronts and enhancing its overall connectivity.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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