Srinagar to Anchor Inland Waterways Push in J&K

19 May 2025 CW Team

Srinagar has emerged as the central hub for a major initiative aimed at developing inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has inaugurated a regional office at Transport Bhawan in Srinagar. The office will act as the nodal centre for planning and executing IWT projects throughout the Union Territory.

The establishment of this office reflects the Union Government’s growing commitment to utilising the region’s river systems for sustainable and low-emission transport. With active support from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, IWAI aims to promote eco-friendly mobility while boosting the local economy and reducing the pressure on road networks.

Strengthening this initiative, IWAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the J&K government for the development of three national waterways: NW-26 (River Chenab), NW-49 (River Jhelum), and NW-84 (River Ravi).

Under the agreement, IWAI will install floating jetties at ten locations across the Union Territory and undertake dredging to ensure safe and continuous navigation. Night navigation aids will be introduced to enable 24-hour vessel operations, and hydrographic surveys will be conducted regularly to monitor and maintain navigable routes.

The project complements broader national efforts to reduce transport-related carbon emissions and promote green alternatives. River-based transport, seen as more sustainable than road or air travel, has the potential to improve regional connectivity, especially in remote or underserved areas.

This initiative is also expected to stimulate local economies, open new employment avenues, and encourage eco-tourism across Jammu and Kashmir. By integrating waterways into the Union Territory’s transport ecosystem, the government hopes to enhance logistics, improve access to essential goods, and generate long-term economic benefits.

The IWAI’s new Srinagar office will play a pivotal role in coordinating these projects, ensuring they are implemented efficiently and in line with sustainability goals. It represents a critical step towards inclusive development and highlights the government’s intent to harness India’s river systems as engines of green and equitable growth.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Srinagar has emerged as the central hub for a major initiative aimed at developing inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has inaugurated a regional office at Transport Bhawan in Srinagar. The office will act as the nodal centre for planning and executing IWT projects throughout the Union Territory.The establishment of this office reflects the Union Government’s growing commitment to utilising the region’s river systems for sustainable and low-emission transport. With active support from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, IWAI aims to promote eco-friendly mobility while boosting the local economy and reducing the pressure on road networks.Strengthening this initiative, IWAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the J&K government for the development of three national waterways: NW-26 (River Chenab), NW-49 (River Jhelum), and NW-84 (River Ravi).Under the agreement, IWAI will install floating jetties at ten locations across the Union Territory and undertake dredging to ensure safe and continuous navigation. Night navigation aids will be introduced to enable 24-hour vessel operations, and hydrographic surveys will be conducted regularly to monitor and maintain navigable routes.The project complements broader national efforts to reduce transport-related carbon emissions and promote green alternatives. River-based transport, seen as more sustainable than road or air travel, has the potential to improve regional connectivity, especially in remote or underserved areas.This initiative is also expected to stimulate local economies, open new employment avenues, and encourage eco-tourism across Jammu and Kashmir. By integrating waterways into the Union Territory’s transport ecosystem, the government hopes to enhance logistics, improve access to essential goods, and generate long-term economic benefits.The IWAI’s new Srinagar office will play a pivotal role in coordinating these projects, ensuring they are implemented efficiently and in line with sustainability goals. It represents a critical step towards inclusive development and highlights the government’s intent to harness India’s river systems as engines of green and equitable growth.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..