SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the progress of National Waterway projects in Jammu and Kashmir and directed divisional administrations to closely monitor their implementation to ensure the waterways are ready for public use next year.
Chairing a review meeting, Dulloo assessed the status of infrastructure being developed by the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for the operationalisation of National Waterways in the Union Territory.
He directed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to conduct periodic reviews and site visits to resolve bottlenecks and facilitate timely completion of the projects.
The Chief Secretary said the waterways have the potential to boost tourism and provide an alternative mode of urban transport, particularly in congested areas. He asked the executing agencies to adhere to timelines and ensure the required infrastructure and navigation facilities are put in place.
During the meeting, IWAI Chairperson Sushil Kumar Lohani said three National Waterways — Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84) — are being targeted for operationalisation during the 2026-27 financial year.
According to officials, the Jhelum waterway stretches 110 km from Sangam in Anantnag to Wular Lake, the Chenab waterway covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor, while the Ravi waterway extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
The meeting was informed that a 106-km river cruise route has been proposed on the Jhelum, linking locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
Officials said a contract has been awarded for the construction of 10 hybrid electric catamarans, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, at a cost of ₹66.11 crore. The vessels are expected to be delivered by March 2027.
The review also noted that all 52 navigation buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered, while six of eight pontoons and jetties have already been cast. Eight passenger and tourist terminals are being developed along the Jhelum route, with completion targeted by June 2027.
On the Chenab and Ravi waterways, officials said cruise routes have been identified and land for terminal development at Reasi, Akhnoor and other locations has either been handed over or is in the process of being transferred. Detailed project reports for associated infrastructure have also been finalised.
The meeting was informed that all 11 identified land parcels for terminal development have been transferred to the Transport Department and handed over to IWAI, except one site in Kathua that is still under process.
Officials also highlighted pending issues requiring inter-departmental coordination, including shifting of power lines and utility infrastructure, wastewater disposal arrangements and improvement of approach roads to terminal sites.
The projects are expected to support river tourism, passenger transport and inland water navigation while creating new economic opportunities in areas connected by the waterways, officials said.
