Government Launches 'Jalvahak' Initiative to Enhance Inland Waterways
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New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a groundbreaking policy for cargo enhancement called 'Jalvahak' on Sunday.
The Jalvahak initiative is designed to promote the transportation of long-haul cargo through National Waterways 1 (river Ganga), National Waterways 2 (river Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (river Barak).
“The government is making dedicated efforts to tap into the vast potential of our extensive inland waterways network. Recognizing its benefits as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient transport option, we aim to enhance cargo transport via waterways to alleviate congestion on rail and road networks,” Sonowal stated.
The Jalvahak program incentivizes long-haul cargo on NW1, NW2, and NW16, providing trade stakeholders with a chance to consider cargo movement via waterways with a favorable economic outlook. By empowering our vessel operators with this incentive and encouraging businesses to ensure safe and prompt delivery of cargo in a cost-efficient manner, we significantly contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s vision of transformation through transportation as India progresses toward becoming a Viksit Bharat,” he further added.
Additionally, Sonowal inaugurated cargo vessels -- MV AAI, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul, along with two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from the GR Jetty in Kolkata, marking the commencement of the Fixed Scheduled Service of Cargo Vessels from Haldia for NW 1 and NW 2.
MV Trishul, with two dumb barges Ajay and Dikhu, is transporting 1,500 tonnes of cement from the GR Jetty in Kolkata to Pandu in Guwahati via the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
MV Aai is carrying 1,000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna, while the third vessel, MV Homi Bhaba, is transporting 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.
The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will operate vessels along the Kolkata - Patna - Varanasi - Patna - Kolkata stretch of NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), as reported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Moreover, the cargo promotion initiative offers direct incentives to cargo owners for transporting their goods via inland waterways over distances exceeding 300 km.
“The ‘Jalvahak’ initiative promotes reduced logistics costs, alleviates congestion on roads and railways, and encourages a sustainable transportation method,” the ministry remarked.
The incentive program is particularly beneficial for major shipping firms, freight forwarders, trade organizations, and associations involved in handling bulk and containerized cargo. By participating in the scheme, they have the opportunity to optimize their supply chain logistics. The initiative is set to be in effect for an initial period of 3 years,” it added.
India features a vast network of inland waterways, encompassing rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Out of a total navigable length of 20,236 km, 17,980 km consists of rivers and 2,256 km comprises canals, both of which are suitable for mechanized vessels.
