River Cruise Tourism In J&K: IWAI To Develop 10 Floating Jetties, Landside Infra On Three National Waterways In UT

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government to develop river cruise tourism across the region’s three national waterways—Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi.

The Rs 100 crore project aims to enhance tourism, create jobs, and provide an alternative mode of travel in the Union Territory.

Of the 111 national waterways in the country, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has three declared national waterways — River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49) and River Ravi (NW-84).

Under the framework of MoU, the IWAI will provide waterside infrastructure, i.e., ten floating jetties and landside infrastructure comprising of waiting hall and other amenities for cruise passengers, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a statement.

Under the agreement, IWAI will develop ten floating jetties along with landside facilities such as waiting halls and passenger amenities.

Out of ten, two floating jetties will be installed at Akhnoor and Reasi (near Jammu) the declared portion of River Chenab (NW-26); seven floating jetties at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge and Gund Prang (in Srinagar and Bandipora) River Jhelum (NW-49) and one jetty at Sohar on River Ravi (NW-84).

IWAI will also develop navigational fairway by executing dredging wherever required, provide navigational aids and conduct regular hydrographic surveys for safe plying of vessels in these waterways.

The J&K government will provide land for construction of landside facilities, facilitate all statutory clearances and appoint cruise operators in identified sectors of the three National Waterways.  

The IWAI will also provide any technical assistance required by Government of J&K.

The project is expected to provide a major boost to the region’s tourism industry, leveraging the scenic waterways to attract travelers and support local businesses.

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