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Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

  • 08 Mar 2025
  • 4 min read
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J&K to boost River Cruise Tourism

Why in News? 

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jammu and Kashmir government to enhance river cruise tourism on three National Waterways in the region. 

 Key Points 

  • Objective of the Agreement: 
    • The MoU aims to enhance tourism, generate employment, and boost economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. 
    • It will introduce a new mode of leisure and budget tourism on the region’s rivers. 
  • National Waterways in J&K: 
    • Jammu and Kashmir has three declared national waterways: 
      • River Chenab (NW-26) 
      • River Jhelum (NW-49) 
      • River Ravi (NW-84) 
  • Development of River Cruise Infrastructure: 
    • The IWAI has allocated Rs 100 crore for the development of river cruise tourism in J&K. 
    • This initiative aligns with the vision to promote cruise tourism from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat, announced during the Second Meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC). 
  • Infrastructure to be Developed: 
    • IWAI will provide waterside infrastructure, including: 
      • Ten floating jetties 
      • Chenab River (NW-26): Two jetties at Akhnoor and Reasi (near Jammu). 
      • Jhelum River (NW-49): Seven jetties at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang (in Srinagar and Bandipora). 
      • Ravi River (NW-84): One jetty at Sohar. 
      • Landside facilities such as waiting halls and passenger amenities. 
  • Navigation and Safety Measures: 
    • IWAI will: 
      • Develop navigational fairways through dredging where required. 
      • Provide navigational aids for safe vessel movement. 
      • Conduct regular hydrographic surveys. 
    • Responsibilities of Jammu and Kashmir: 
      • Provide land for landside infrastructure construction. 
      • Facilitate statutory clearances for project implementation. 
      • Appoint cruise operators for the identified river sectors. 
      • Seek technical assistance from IWAI when necessary. 
  • National Expansion of Waterways Infrastructure: 
    • Major efforts include: 
      • Capacity augmentation of NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16. 
      • Developing inland waterway terminals, fairways, navigational locks, and night navigation facilities. 
  • Boosting Cruise Tourism Across India: 
    • IWAI has undertaken multiple projects to promote cruise tourism, especially on River Ganga and River Brahmaputra. 
    • The successful launch of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, showcases this commitment. 

 Inland Waterways Authority of India  

  • It came into existence on 27th October 1986 for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.  
  • It primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grants received from the Ministry of Shipping. 

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