Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the preparedness for operationalisation of three National Waterways in the Union Territory and directed officials to ensure their readiness for public use during 2026-27.
The three waterways — Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84) — are being developed for river-based tourism, passenger movement and sustainable inland water transport, officials said.
Chairperson of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Sushil Kumar Lohani said the Jhelum National Waterway stretches 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake, while the Chenab waterway covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor and the Ravi waterway extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
During the review meeting, Dulloo directed the divisional commissioners to periodically monitor the progress of the projects and undertake on-site visits to facilitate early resolution of bottlenecks.
He said most of the issues affecting the projects were minor and could be resolved promptly through coordination between the divisional administrations and executing agencies.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the tourism and urban mobility potential of the waterways, saying river cruises could become a major attraction for visitors while providing an alternative mode of transport in congested urban areas.
He directed the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and IWAI to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines and ensure that the required infrastructure, navigation facilities and river ecosystem were put in place.
On the Jhelum waterway, a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed, covering locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
A work order has been issued for 10 hybrid electric catamarans, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, at a cost of Rs 66.11 crore. Their designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted by March 2027.
All 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered, while six of eight concrete pontoons and jetties have been cast and are targeted for completion by December this year.
Construction of eight passenger and tourist terminals along the Jhelum has also commenced and is targeted for completion by June 2027. The terminals will incorporate local Kashmiri architectural features along with modern facilities, officials said.
For the Chenab waterway, the cruise route has been identified between proposed terminal locations, while land for terminals at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.
On the Ravi, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu, while terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam is being processed for development.
Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi waterways are underway and targeted for completion by December 2026. Detailed project reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.
IPRCL officials said all 11 identified land parcels for terminal development had been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI.
The meeting also discussed issues related to modification of overhead power lines to meet navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, permanent water and power connections, wastewater disposal and widening of approach roads to terminal sites.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, the Chairperson of IWAI, divisional commissioners, Secretary Transport and senior representatives of IPRCL and other concerned departments.—(NVI)
