Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 15

Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to roll out inland water transport services across major rivers as authorities push ahead with infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism, connectivity and economic activity in the Union Territory.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the progress of inland waterways projects being developed in coordination with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) during a high-level meeting in Srinagar.

The meeting focused on the development of eco-friendly transport systems, cruise tourism and navigational infrastructure along notified national waterways in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials reviewed several issues requiring coordination between departments, including removal of coffer dams beneath bridges, relocation of power lines, provision of electricity and water supply at terminals, construction of approach roads and sewage treatment facilities at river ghats.

Dulloo directed departments to work closely with IWAI to ensure timely execution of the projects, saying inland waterways could provide a sustainable mode of transport while generating employment and promoting tourism along riverfronts.

He also stressed the need to preserve the ecological character of rivers and surrounding landscapes while integrating water transport infrastructure with tourism development.

During the meeting, IWAI Chairperson Sunil Paliwal said significant progress had been made on National Waterway-49 along the river Jhelum, where a 76-km cruise corridor from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake is under development.

Construction of eight floating jetties along the corridor is expected to be completed by July 2026, while associated onshore infrastructure is targeted for completion by July 2027, officials said.

Installation of navigational aids is also scheduled to be completed by July 2026, while fairway maintenance along the river stretch is being jointly carried out by IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir administration using dredgers to ensure safe navigation.

Officials said IWAI was also processing the procurement of 10 hybrid electric boats, each with a capacity of 20 passengers. 

The contract is expected to be awarded by May 2026, with delivery scheduled by March 2027.

In the Jammu region, authorities are developing cruise tourism infrastructure along the Chenab River under National Waterway-26.

A 9-km cruise stretch from Reasi to Akhnoor Fort has been proposed, with construction of two jetties already awarded and expected to be completed by July 2026.

Onshore infrastructure for the Chenab project is being planned by Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited, with the detailed project report expected by June 2026.

Officials said adequate water depth was available throughout the year for cruise operations along the proposed stretch.

Under National Waterway-84 on the Ravi river, authorities are also developing a 15-km cruise corridor at Sohar in Jammu district.

Construction work on a jetty for the Ravi project has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by July 2026, while detailed project reports for supporting infrastructure are under preparation.

The meeting was informed that 11 land parcels required for various project components had already been identified, with approval and transfer processes at different stages of completion.