SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 08, 2026 : Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the operational readiness and development status of National Waterways across the Union Territory, with particular focus on infrastructure, navigation facilities and river ecosystem requirements.
The review meeting examined the progress of onshore infrastructure being developed by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and navigation-related facilities and river ecosystem works being undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; Chairperson, IWAI; Divisional Commissioners; Secretary, Transport; General Manager of IPRCL and senior officers from concerned departments and agencies.
Divisional Commissioners asked to monitor projects regularly
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed the Divisional Commissioners to undertake periodic reviews and on-site inspections of National Waterway projects in their respective jurisdictions.
He stressed that most of the issues affecting the projects are minor and can be resolved through timely intervention and coordination between divisional administrations and executing agencies.
Dulloo called for close monitoring so that bottlenecks do not delay the scheduled commissioning of the waterways.
Major boost to tourism and urban mobility
Highlighting the wider significance of the projects, the Chief Secretary said the National Waterways have considerable potential to transform river-based tourism and passenger mobility in J&K.
He observed that river cruises could become a major attraction for tourists while waterways could also provide an alternative mode of transportation, particularly in congested urban areas.
He emphasised that waterway development should simultaneously promote river tourism, passenger movement and sustainable inland transport, while helping reduce pressure on existing road networks.
Dulloo directed IPRCL and IWAI to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines and ensure that navigation infrastructure, terminals and supporting river ecosystem facilities are completed so that the waterways can be made available for public use by next year.
Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi targeted for operationalisation
Chairperson IWAI Sushil Kumar Lohani informed the meeting that three major National Waterways — Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84) — are being targeted for operationalisation during FY 2026–27.
The proposed stretches include:
- Jhelum National Waterway (NW-49): 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake.
- Chenab National Waterway (NW-26): 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor.
- Ravi National Waterway (NW-84): 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
Jhelum waterway gets major infrastructure push
Substantial progress has been reported on the Jhelum National Waterway. A 106-km river cruise route has been proposed from Sangam to Wular Lake, connecting important locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
A work order has also been issued for 10 hybrid-electric catamarans, each capable of carrying 20 passengers, at a cost of ₹66.11 crore.
The vessel designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted 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 already been cast and are targeted for completion by December 2026.
Eight passenger and tourist terminals planned
Construction has commenced on eight passenger and tourist terminal facilities at:
Sangam, Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Byopar Mandal Ghat, Chattabal Weir, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
The terminals are targeted for completion by June 2027 and are being designed with a local Kashmiri architectural character, combined with modern structural and utility features.
Chenab and Ravi waterways also progressing
For the Chenab National Waterway, the cruise route has been identified for initial development between designated terminal locations. Land for terminals at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.
On the Ravi National Waterway, 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 currently under casting and are targeted for completion by December 2026. Detailed Project Reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.
All 11 identified terminal land parcels handed over
GGM, IPRCL, Deepak, informed the meeting that all 11 identified land parcels required for terminal development have been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI.
Besides the Jhelum sites, Manda in Akhnoor and Talwara in Reasi have also been handed over for development. The remaining parcel at Domar/Satwain in Kathua is under processing with the concerned authorities.
Power, roads and other bottlenecks reviewed
The meeting also examined issues requiring coordinated intervention by different UT departments.
These include modification of overhead HT/LT power lines to maintain navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, provision of permanent water and electricity connections, wastewater disposal arrangements and widening of approach roads leading to terminal sites.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for coordinated action to resolve these issues without delay and ensure that the projects remain on schedule.
New chapter for J&K’s inland water transport
The development of the National Waterways is expected to add a new dimension to river-based tourism, passenger transportation and sustainable inland water mobility in Jammu & Kashmir.
Once operational, the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi waterways could create new opportunities for local economic activity, tourism-related businesses and employment while providing visitors with a distinctive river-based experience.
The projects also represent an effort to diversify transportation options and strengthen connectivity around key tourism and urban centres of J&K.
