IWAI Partners with J&K for River Cruise Tourism Development
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Synopsis
On March 6, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed an MoU with Jammu and Kashmir's government to enhance river cruise tourism on three National Waterways, backed by an investment of Rs 100 crore.
Key Takeaways
- IWAI and J&K government signed a MoU for river cruise tourism.
- Investment of Rs 100 crore to develop three National Waterways.
- New infrastructure includes floating jetties and passenger amenities.
- Promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth in the region.
- IWAI's commitment to enhancing navigational safety and facilities.
Srinagar, March 6 (NationPress) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Jammu and Kashmir to enhance river cruise tourism on three National Waterways in J&K, involving an investment of Rs 100 crore.
The MoU was formalized during the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, J&K’s Transport Minister Satish Sharma, and senior officials.
Among the 111 national waterways across India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has three recognized waterways: River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84).
The IWAI has actively supported cruise tourism in India, and this agreement with the J&K government seeks to further enhance tourism, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and introduce a new avenue for leisure tourism on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir, as per an official statement.
To promote river cruise tourism, various cruise circuits were proposed for development, ranging from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat, during the recent Second Meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC).
“In just two months, IWAI has made a crucial move to develop river cruise tourism in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir for an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore,” the statement indicated.
As part of the MoU, the IWAI will establish waterside infrastructure, including 10 floating jetties and landside facilities featuring a waiting hall and other amenities for cruise passengers. Of these, two floating jetties will be positioned at Akhnoor and Reasi (near Jammu) on the designated portion of River Chenab (NW-26); seven floating jetties will be set up at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang (in Srinagar and Bandipora) on River Jhelum (NW-49); and one jetty at Sohar on River Ravi (NW-84).
Moreover, IWAI will enhance navigational channels by undertaking dredging where necessary, providing navigational aids, and performing regular hydrographic surveys to ensure safe vessel movement in these waterways.
The J&K government will allocate land for the construction of landside facilities, assist in obtaining all statutory approvals, and appoint cruise operators in the specified areas of the three National Waterways. The IWAI will also offer any technical support needed by the J&K government.
Under the proactive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has initiated numerous infrastructural projects to transform waterways into a vital growth engine. Through concerted efforts, IWAI is extending its reach nationwide and is currently enhancing capacity on NW 1, NW 2, NW 3, and NW 16, among others, by developing IWT terminals, fairways through comprehensive dredging contracts, navigational aids such as night navigation facilities, and navigational locks, as the statement noted.
The Authority has introduced initiatives to promote cruise tourism on River Ganga and River Brahmaputra. The collaboration between IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir government is an exciting venture that aims to foster sustainable tourism practices, stimulate local economic development, and enrich the tourist experience, as per the statement.
