SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed preparations for the development and operationalisation of National Waterways in the Union Territory, directing the agencies concerned to adhere to timelines so the waterways can be opened for public use by next year.
The review covered onshore infrastructure being developed by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and navigation facilities and river ecosystem works being undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
IWAI Chairperson Sushil Kumar Lohani informed the meeting that three National Waterways, Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84), are being targeted for operationalisation during financial year 2026-27.
The Jhelum National Waterway covers 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake. The Chenab waterway extends 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor, while the Ravi waterway covers 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
Dulloo directed the Divisional Commissioners to conduct periodic reviews of the projects in their respective divisions and undertake site visits where required to resolve issues and facilitate timely execution.
He said issues affecting the projects were largely minor and could be resolved through prompt coordination between the divisional administrations and the executing agencies.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the potential of the waterways for tourism and urban mobility. He said river cruises could become an attraction for visitors while offering an alternative passenger transport option in congested urban areas.
He directed that the waterways be developed to support river tourism, passenger movement and reduced pressure on the road network, while ensuring safety and sustainability for tourists and commuters.
On the Jhelum waterway, the meeting was informed that a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed. The route will cover 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. The designs have been approved and construction is under way, with delivery scheduled for March 2027.
All 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered. Six of the eight concrete pontoons and jetties have been cast, with completion targeted for December 2026.
Construction has also begun on eight passenger and tourist terminals at Sangam, Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Byopar Mandal Ghat, Chattabal Weir, Sumbal and Gund Prang. The facilities are scheduled for completion by June 2027 and are being designed with Kashmiri architectural elements alongside modern structural and utility features.
For the Chenab waterway, the cruise route has been identified for initial development between designated terminal locations, while terminal land at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.
On the Ravi waterway, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu. 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 under casting and are expected to be completed by December 2026. Detailed Project Reports for the associated onshore facilities have been finalised.
GGM, IPRCL, Deepak informed the meeting that all 11 identified land parcels for terminal development had been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI. Sites along the Jhelum, as well as Manda in Akhnoor and Talwara in Reasi, have also been handed over for development. The remaining parcel at Domar/Satwain in Kathua is being processed with the concerned authorities.
The meeting also considered issues requiring coordinated action by UT departments, including modification of overhead HT and LT 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 the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Chairperson IWAI, Divisional Commissioners, Secretary Transport, GGM IPRCL and other officials from the departments and agencies concerned.
The projects are aimed at expanding river-based tourism, passenger mobility and sustainable inland water transport in Jammu and Kashmir, while supporting economic activity in areas connected by the waterways.
