The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to promote river cruise tourism. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur. The event was also attended by key dignitaries including Shri Satish Sharma, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Government of J&K; Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramachandran; and IWAI Chairman, Shri Vijay Kumar.

This initiative is part of IWAI’s ongoing efforts to develop inland waterway tourism, create employment opportunities, boost economic growth, and enhance leisure tourism experiences in Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, the Union Territory has three designated national waterways: River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). The MoU aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting river cruise tourism across India, following the announcements made at the Second Meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC). Within two months of that meeting, IWAI has taken concrete steps to advance river cruise tourism in J&K, with an estimated investment of Rs 100 crore.

Under the agreement, IWAI will provide essential waterside infrastructure, including ten floating jetties, and landside facilities, such as waiting halls and other passenger amenities. The planned floating jetties will be strategically located: two on River Chenab (Akhnoor and Reasi), seven on River Jhelum (Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang in Srinagar and Bandipora), and one at Sohar on River Ravi. IWAI will also undertake activities such as dredging, installation of navigational aids, and conducting hydrographic surveys to ensure safe vessel movement.

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The J&K government, as part of the collaboration, will provide the necessary land for landside infrastructure, secure statutory approvals, and appoint cruise operators for identified river cruise routes. Additionally, IWAI will extend technical assistance to support the state’s efforts in operationalizing these waterways for tourism.

Guided by the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the strategic vision of Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI continues to expand its infrastructure initiatives across the country. It is currently focused on capacity enhancement for National Waterways 1, 2, 3, and 16, which includes the development of terminals, dredging contracts, and navigational infrastructure, such as night navigation systems and navigational locks.

IWAI’s efforts in advancing cruise tourism have already yielded significant results, with successful initiatives such as the MV Ganga Vilas—the world’s longest river cruise—demonstrating the potential of India’s waterways. The newly signed MoU between IWAI and the J&K government marks another step toward sustainable tourism, economic growth, and an enriched travel experience for tourists exploring the region’s scenic rivers.

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