J&K Plans Major Inland Waterways Network

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness a major push towards inland water transport infrastructure, with the government planning river cruise corridors, floating jetties, hybrid electric boats and navigational facilities across key rivers in the Union Territory.

The roadmap for the ambitious waterways initiative was reviewed on Thursday by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo during a high-level meeting held to assess the progress of projects being undertaken by the Transport Department in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

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The meeting focused on development of sustainable and eco-friendly water transport systems on rivers across Jammu and Kashmir, with emphasis on cruise tourism, urban water transport facilities and navigational infrastructure on the notified National Waterways.

Senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Chairperson of IWAI Sunil Paliwal, Secretary Transport, Transport Commissioner and representatives from various departments attended the meeting.

During the review, the Chief Secretary assessed issues requiring inter-departmental coordination, including removal of coffer dams beneath bridges, raising of high-tension and low-tension power lines, provision of electricity and water supply at terminals, construction of connecting roads and sewage treatment facilities at important ghats.

Dulloo stressed that modern inland waterways infrastructure has significant tourism, economic and environmental potential for Jammu and Kashmir and directed departments to work in close coordination with IWAI for timely completion of the projects.

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He said development of water transport systems would provide a sustainable mode of transportation, boost tourism, generate employment and create new economic opportunities along riverfronts across the Union Territory.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised the need to integrate water transport facilities with tourism infrastructure while ensuring ecological sensitivity and preserving the natural character of rivers and surrounding landscapes.

During a presentation before the meeting, IWAI Chairperson Sunil Paliwal informed that substantial progress has been achieved on development of National Waterway-49 on river Jhelum, where a nearly 76-kilometre river cruise corridor from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake is being developed.

Officials informed the meeting that construction of eight floating jetties along the Jhelum corridor is underway and expected to be completed by July 2026. Development of associated onshore infrastructure is targeted for completion by July 2027, while navigational aids are scheduled to be installed by July 2026.

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Fairway maintenance along the river stretch is also being jointly carried out by IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir government through deployment of dredgers to ensure safe navigation.

The meeting was further informed that procurement of ten hybrid electric boats, each with a carrying capacity of 20 passengers, is under process. Bids are currently under evaluation and the contract is expected to be awarded by May 2026, while delivery of the vessels is likely by March 2027.

Reviewing projects in the Jammu region, officials informed the meeting that cruise tourism infrastructure is also being developed on river Chenab under National Waterway-26.

A nine-kilometre cruise stretch from Reasi to Akhnoor Fort has been proposed, where construction work on two jetties has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The meeting was told that development of onshore infrastructure for the Chenab project has been entrusted to Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited, which is currently preparing the Detailed Project Report expected to be finalised by June 2026.

Officials said adequate water depth remains available throughout the year for cruise operations in the proposed stretch.

Similarly, under National Waterway-84 on river Ravi, a 15-kilometre river cruise corridor is being developed at Sohar in Jammu district.

Construction of a jetty for the Ravi project has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by July 2026. DPR preparation for onshore facilities is also underway, while navigational aids are proposed to be tendered by July 2026 and completed by December 2026.

The presentation also highlighted several enabling interventions required for smooth operation of inland waterways, including land acquisition and transfer formalities.

Officials informed the meeting that eleven land parcels required for various components of the projects have already been identified, with approvals and transfer processes at different stages of completion.

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