SRINAGAR, MAY 15 : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress and future roadmap for the development of inland water transport infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir during a high-level meeting with officials of the Transport Department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The meeting focused on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly water transport systems across major rivers of the Union Territory, with special emphasis on cruise tourism, urban water transport and navigational infrastructure on the notified National Waterways in J&K.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; Chairperson, IWAI; Secretary, Transport Department; Transport Commissioner; representatives from various departments and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed several issues requiring inter-departmental coordination, including removal of coffer dams beneath bridges, shifting of HT and LT power lines, provision of electricity and water supply at terminals, construction of approach roads, sewage treatment facilities at ghats and permissions related to tree cutting and construction activities.
Highlighting the tourism, economic and environmental potential of inland waterways in Jammu and Kashmir, Dulloo directed all concerned departments to work closely with IWAI for timely execution of the projects. He said modern water transport infrastructure would provide a sustainable mode of transportation, boost tourism, create employment opportunities and open new avenues for economic activity along riverfronts across the Union Territory.
He also stressed the importance of integrating water transport facilities with tourism infrastructure while ensuring ecological sensitivity and preserving the natural character of rivers and surrounding landscapes.
During the presentation, IWAI Chairperson Sunil Paliwal informed the meeting that major progress has been achieved on the development of National Waterway-49 on river Jhelum. A 76-kilometre river cruise corridor from Pantha Chowk to Wular Lake is currently being developed.
Officials informed that construction of eight floating jetties along the Jhelum corridor is underway and expected to be completed by July 2026. The associated onshore infrastructure is targeted for completion by July 2027, while installation of navigational aids is scheduled by July 2026.
Fairway maintenance along the river stretch is being jointly carried out by IWAI and the J&K Government through deployment of dredgers to ensure safe navigation.
The meeting was also informed that IWAI is processing procurement of ten hybrid electric boats with a capacity of 20 passengers each. The contract is likely to be awarded by May 2026, while delivery of the vessels is expected by March 2027.
Reviewing the Jammu region projects, officials informed 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, with construction of two jetties already awarded and expected to be completed by July 2026.
The development of onshore facilities has been entrusted to Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected by June 2026. Officials said sufficient water depth is 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 has already been awarded and is likely to be completed by July 2026.
DPR preparation for onshore facilities is also underway through IPRCL and expected to be finalised by June 2026, while navigational aids are proposed to be tendered by July 2026 and completed by December 2026.
The presentation further highlighted that 11 land parcels required for various project components have already been identified, with approvals and transfer formalities at different stages of completion.
