The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to enhance river cruise tourism on three national waterways in the region. The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and other officials.

J&K has three declared national waterways: River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). As part of the MoU, IWAI will invest approximately Rs 100 crore in developing cruise infrastructure. This includes the installation of ten floating jetties—two on River Chenab, seven on River Jhelum, and one on River Ravi—along with landside amenities such as waiting halls for passengers. IWAI will also undertake dredging, provide navigational aids, and conduct hydrographic surveys to ensure safe vessel movement.

The J&K government will facilitate statutory clearances, provide land for landside infrastructure, and appoint cruise operators for designated sectors. This collaboration aligns with the government’s vision to expand cruise tourism across India, following initiatives such as the MV Ganga Vilas on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. IWAI continues to develop inland waterways as an economic growth engine, with ongoing capacity augmentation projects on NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16.

The partnership is expected to generate employment, stimulate local economies, and promote sustainable tourism, leveraging the region’s river network for enhanced travel experiences.