The Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has been awarded a five-star SVAGRIHA rating by the GRIHA Council. This terminal is part of several infrastructure projects implemented by IWAI under the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), aimed at augmenting the capacity of National Waterway 1 – River Ganga. Shri Arvind Kumar, Director of JMVP, along with Shri Manish Tiwari, Specialist (Environment Impact Assessment) at JMVP, and J J Patel, Project Manager at Sanjay Construction Company (the contractor), received the award.

The SVAGRIHA rating, which stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA, supports the concept of green buildings and sustainability under the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) initiative. GRIHA is a joint venture between the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Delhi-based Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). This rating recognises the environmentally sustainable practices followed by IWAI in constructing infrastructure to facilitate cargo and passenger movement on National Waterway 1.

IMT Kalughat received the five-star rating for its commitment to environmental sustainability, using recyclable materials such as fibre, recyclable glasses, paint, and sanitary fixtures during construction. The terminal’s construction adhered to energy and waste management criteria set by the GRIHA council, which included sustainable site planning, building materials, energy optimization, water management, and solid waste management.

The Kalughat IMT also features a sewage treatment plan to recycle water and makes optimal use of renewable energy during its operations. A key aspect of its construction was the use of construction and demolition waste.

With a cost of ?82.48 crore and a capacity of 77,000 TEUs per annum, IMT Kalughat plays a crucial role in the transportation of cargo for North Bihar's hinterland. It also provides connectivity to Nepal for EXIM cargo.

Aligning with the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, IWAI is committed to building inclusive and climate-resilient infrastructure on national waterways, contributing to the country’s overall economic growth. IMT Kalughat stands as a testament to this commitment.