Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Jalvahak’ to Boost Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways

Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled a significant policy for Cargo Promotion – ‘Jalvahak’ – aimed at incentivising the movement of long-haul cargo via National Waterways 1 (river Ganga), National Waterways 2 (river Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (river Barak) today.

Sonowal flagged off cargo vessels – MV AAI, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul, along with two Dumb Barges, Ajay & Dikhu – from the GR Jetty in Kolkata. This marks the commencement of the Fixed Scheduled Service for Cargo Vessels on NW 1 and NW 2. The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will operate vessels between Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi on NW 1, and between Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). The occasion was graced by the presence of Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, and Minister of State for Transportation (Independent Charge), Govt of UP, Daya Shankar Singh.

In his address, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Government has been making concerted efforts to realize the immense potential of India’s inland waterways. The Jalvahak scheme, with its focus on boosting cargo movement through economical and sustainable transportation, aims to decongest railways and roadways, while promoting an environmentally responsible mode of transport.”

The first vessel, MV Trishul with Dumb Barges Ajay and Dikhu, is carrying 1500 tonnes of cement from GR Jetty, Kolkata to Pandu, Guwahati via IBPR. MV Aai is transporting 1000 tonnes of Gypsum to Patna, while MV Homi Bhaba is carrying 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.

The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme provides direct incentives to cargo owners transporting goods over distances greater than 300 kms via inland waterways. It is a collaborative initiative between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL), a fully owned subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL). The scheme promotes reduced logistics costs, alleviates congestion on rail and road networks, and adapts to a more sustainable mode of transportation.

Under the scheme, a reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating expenditure is offered for cargo movement via NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), and NW 16 (Barak) through the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBP). This initiative is ideal for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trade bodies handling bulk and containerized cargo. By participating, businesses can optimize their supply chain, making transportation cost-effective and efficient. Initially, the scheme is valid for a period of 3 years.

The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will ensure regular and timely delivery of cargo with fixed transit times. For NW 1, the transit period includes 7 days for Kolkata to Patna, 5 days for Patna to Varanasi, and 14 days for Kolkata to Varanasi. For NW 2 via IBPR, the Kolkata to Pandu stretch is set at 18 days, while Pandu to Kolkata will take 15 days.

Sarbananda Sonowal further highlighted the growth and revival of the National Waterways under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with performance improving significantly. From a total cargo movement of 18.07 Million MT in 2013-14, the volume surged to 132.89 Million MT in 2023-24, registering a growth of over 700%. The government has set ambitious targets, including a goal of 200 million MT by 2030 and 500 million MT by 2047, contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

The event was attended by key officials including TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW; Vijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman of IWAI; Capt BK Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director of SCI, and Rathendra Raman, Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, along with other industry leaders.

India’s extensive network of inland waterways, comprising 20,236 km, including 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals, holds immense potential for efficient cargo transportation. With focused development, the country aims to unlock the full potential of its waterways, making them a critical lifeline for sustainable and cost-effective transport.