Kolkata: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal has introduced the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to promote cargo movement along India’s National Waterways 1 (river Ganga), National Waterways 2 (river Brahmaputra), as well as National Waterways 16 (river Barak). The scheme aims to reduce logistics costs, decongest roads and railways, and encourage a shift towards economical and eco-friendly transportation. It offers up to 35% reimbursement of operational costs for cargo transported over 300 km.
Scheduled Cargo Services Flagged Off
As part of the initiative, fixed-day scheduled cargo services have been launched from Kolkata to destinations like Patna, Varanasi, and Guwahati using the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). Sonowal flagged off three vessels—MV AAI, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul (with two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu)—from GR Jetty in Kolkata. These vessels are transporting cement, gypsum, and coal, showcasing the potential for timely and cost-effective cargo delivery.
Optimizing India’s Waterway Network
The scheme, a joint effort by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL), has been initially launched for three years. It aims to demonstrate the readiness of waterways for cargo transportation, targeting a modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometers by 2027 with an investment of ₹95.4 crores.
Transforming India’s Cargo Movement
Since 2014, cargo volume on national waterways has grown from 18.07 million MT to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, marking over 700% growth. The government has set ambitious targets of 200 million MT by 2030 and 500 million MT by 2047, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and unlocking the potential of India’s Blue Economy.
A New Era for Eastern Waterways
Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur, highlighted the significance of these reforms for eastern India, particularly Bengal, while Daya Shankar Singh, UP’s Minister of State for Transportation, emphasized the community benefits along the Ganga. Together, these initiatives aim to position inland waterways as a key driver of economic growth and connectivity in India.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Sonowal took to his X handle to share the details of the scheme and wrote, “Inland waterways are efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly. I urge all stakeholders to join us and realize the full potential of Bharat’s waterways.”
