FCC

Srinagar to Anchor Inland Waterways Push in J&K

2025-05-19

Srinagar has emerged as the central hub for a major initiative aimed at developing inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has inaugurated a regional office at Transport Bhawan in Srinagar. The office will act as the nodal centre for planning and executing IWT projects throughout the Union Territory.

The establishment of this office reflects the Union Government’s growing commitment to utilising the region’s river systems for sustainable and low-emission transport. With active support from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, IWAI aims to promote eco-friendly mobility while boosting the local economy and reducing the pressure on road networks.

Strengthening this initiative, IWAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the J&K government for the development of three national waterways: NW-26 (River Chenab), NW-49 (River Jhelum), and NW-84 (River Ravi).

Under the agreement, IWAI will install floating jetties at ten locations across the Union Territory and undertake dredging to ensure safe and continuous navigation. Night navigation aids will be introduced to enable 24-hour vessel operations, and hydrographic surveys will be conducted regularly to monitor and maintain navigable routes.

The project complements broader national efforts to reduce transport-related carbon emissions and promote green alternatives. River-based transport, seen as more sustainable than road or air travel, has the potential to improve regional connectivity, especially in remote or underserved areas.

This initiative is also expected to stimulate local economies, open new employment avenues, and encourage eco-tourism across Jammu and Kashmir. By integrating waterways into the Union Territory’s transport ecosystem, the government hopes to enhance logistics, improve access to essential goods, and generate long-term economic benefits.

The IWAI’s new Srinagar office will play a pivotal role in coordinating these projects, ensuring they are implemented efficiently and in line with sustainability goals. It represents a critical step towards inclusive development and highlights the government’s intent to harness India’s river systems as engines of green and equitable growth.