Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 08 Mar 2025

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.