Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress and future roadmap for development of inland water transport infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The high-level meeting focused on promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly water transport systems across major rivers of the Union Territory, including development of cruise tourism, urban water transport facilities and navigational infrastructure on notified national waterways.
The meeting was attended by ACS PWD, Chairperson IWAI Sunil Paliwal, Secretary Transport Department, Transport Commissioner and senior officers from IWAI and the Transport Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed several issues requiring inter-departmental coordination, including removal of coffer dams under bridges, shifting of HT and LT power lines, provision of electricity and water connections at terminals, construction of connecting roads, sewage treatment facilities at key ghats and permissions related to tree cutting and construction works.
Emphasising the tourism and economic potential of inland waterways in Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo directed departments to work in close coordination with IWAI for timely completion of the projects.
He said the development of modern water transport infrastructure would provide a sustainable mode of transport, boost tourism, generate employment opportunities and create new economic activity along riverfronts across the Union Territory.
During a presentation, IWAI Chairperson Sunil Paliwal informed the meeting that major progress has been achieved on development of National Waterway-49 on river Jhelum, where a 76-kilometre river cruise corridor from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake is being developed.
He informed 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.
The meeting was informed that fairway maintenance on the river stretch is being jointly carried out by IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir government through deployment of dredgers to ensure safe navigation.
Officials further informed that procurement of ten hybrid electric boats with a capacity of 20 passengers each is under process. The contract is likely to be awarded by May 2026 and delivery of the boats is expected by March 2027.
In the Jammu region, 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 of two jetties has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by July 2026.
The meeting was also informed that 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 has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by July 2026.
Officials informed the meeting that several enabling interventions required for smooth navigation and operations are also being taken up and eleven land parcels required for different project components have already been identified.
