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.

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 Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Infrastructure Urban

22 Oct 2025

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..