Govt Unveils ‘Jalvahak’ To Boost Inland Waterways, Cargo Movement Incentivised
The Indian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing cargo transportation through its waterways. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently unveiled the ‘Jalvahak’ policy aimed at promoting the movement of long-haul cargo via National Waterways 1 (Ganga), National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (Barak). This initiative is expected to revolutionize the logistics sector in India by providing a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional road and rail transport.
Launch of Scheduled Cargo Services
During the launch event, Minister Sonowal flagged off several cargo vessels, including MV AAI, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul, along with two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from the GR Jetty in Kolkata. This marks the commencement of a fixed Scheduled Service for cargo vessels operating between key locations such as Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi on NW 1, and between Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2. The introduction of this service aims to ensure timely delivery of cargo, thereby instilling confidence among users regarding the reliability of national waterways for regular cargo movement.
The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will operate with specific transit times: seven days for the Kolkata to Patna stretch, five days for Patna to Varanasi, and 14 days for the entire Kolkata to Varanasi route. Similarly, the Kolkata to Pandu stretch will take 18 days, while the return journey will take 15 days. This structured approach to cargo transportation is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce congestion on roads and railways.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme is designed to incentivize cargo owners to transport goods via inland waterways, particularly for distances exceeding 300 kilometers. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL) are spearheading this initiative. The scheme offers a reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating expenditure incurred while transporting cargo via waterways. This financial incentive is aimed at encouraging businesses to explore waterway transportation, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Minister Sonowal emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to realizing the potential of India’s extensive network of inland waterways. By promoting cargo movement through these waterways, the government aims to decongest existing transport systems and provide a sustainable mode of transportation. The scheme is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and promote economic growth, particularly in regions dependent on these waterways.
Future Prospects and Goals
The ‘Jalvahak’ initiative is part of a broader vision to transform India’s logistics landscape. The government has set ambitious targets for cargo movement via waterways, aiming for 200 million metric tonnes by 2030 and 500 million metric tonnes by 2047. This growth is expected to contribute to the realization of the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
The revitalization of national waterways has already shown promising results, with cargo transported via these routes increasing from 18.07 million metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 132.89 million metric tonnes in 2023-24, marking a growth of over 700%. The government is investing ₹95.4 crores to further enhance the operational capacity of these waterways, aiming for a modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometers by 2027.
A New Era for Inland Waterways
The launch of the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme represents a historic moment for the revival of inland waterway transport in India. With its focus on economic, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation, this initiative promises to unlock new opportunities for trade and commerce. As the government continues to invest in the development of its waterways, the future looks bright for this underutilized mode of transport. The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme not only aims to enhance cargo movement but also seeks to uplift the lives of communities along the rivers, fostering prosperity and connectivity across the nation.
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