IWAI, J&K government ink MoU to boost river cruise tourism

New Delhi, Mar 6: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), 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 enhance river cruise tourism across three National Waterways in the region.

The agreement was formalised during the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur. Also in attendance were Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister of Transport and allied portfolios, Satish Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T.K. Ramachandran, IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, and other dignitaries.

With this initiative, the IWAI aims to promote tourism, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth by establishing a new avenue for leisure and budget travel along J&K’s waterways.

The Union Territory is home to three designated National Waterways: River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). The MoU aligns with the broader vision of expanding river cruise tourism across India, with circuits planned from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat. The IWAI has committed approximately Rs 100 crore to the development of river cruise tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the agreement, IWAI will develop essential waterside infrastructure, including ten floating jetties, and landside amenities such as waiting halls for passengers. The floating jetties will be installed at key locations: two on the River Chenab at Akhnoor and Reasi, seven on the River Jhelum at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang, and one on the River Ravi at Sohar. Additionally, IWAI will undertake dredging operations where necessary, install navigational aids, and conduct regular hydrographic surveys to ensure the safe movement of cruise vessels.

The J&K government will facilitate the initiative by providing land for landside facilities, expediting necessary statutory clearances, and appointing cruise operators for identified sectors. IWAI will also extend technical assistance as needed.

IWAI has been expanding its footprint nationwide by strengthening inland water transport infrastructure. The IWAI has already undertaken initiatives to promote cruise tourism on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, exemplified by the successful launch of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise. The partnership between IWAI and the J&K government represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism, economic stimulation, and an enriched travel experience for tourists exploring the scenic rivers of Jammu and Kashmir.