IWAI Signs MoU with J&K Government to Boost River Cruise Tourism

Srinagar: In a significant move to promote river cruise tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The agreement was signed during the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, and J&K Minister Satish Sharma. Senior officials, including Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran and IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, also attended the event.

The initiative aims to enhance river-based tourism, generate employment opportunities, and drive economic growth by introducing a new mode of leisure and budget tourism along Jammu and Kashmir’s waterways. The Union Territory has three designated national waterways—River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). As part of the ₹100 crore project, ten floating jetties will be installed at key locations across these waterways to improve accessibility and boost tourism infrastructure. Two floating jetties will be set up on River Chenab at Akhnoor and Reasi, seven on River Jhelum at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang, while River Ravi will have one jetty at Sohar.

To ensure safe navigation, IWAI will carry out dredging operations, set up navigational aids, and conduct hydrographic surveys. The J&K government will provide land for infrastructure development, facilitate statutory clearances, and appoint cruise operators for designated routes. IWAI will also extend technical support as required.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on expanding India’s inland waterway network, IWAI has been making significant efforts to develop water-based tourism. The success of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, has demonstrated the immense potential of inland waterways. Similar initiatives on River Ganga and River Brahmaputra have already shown promising results.

By extending its footprint into Jammu and Kashmir, IWAI is taking a major step toward sustainable tourism while stimulating local economies and enhancing travel experiences for visitors. The partnership between IWAI and the J&K government marks a new chapter in leveraging the region’s waterways for economic and tourism development.