On May 13, 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, officially opened its new office in Srinagar. This strategic move aims to advance river navigation infrastructure development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The IWAI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Jammu and Kashmir to develop river navigation amenities on NW26 River Chenab, NW49 River Jhelum, and NW84 River Ravi. This agreement will facilitate setting up floating jetties at ten designated locations, dredging where necessary for navigational fairways, installing night navigational aids, and conducting regular hydrographic surveys to ensure safe vessel passage in these waterways.
The IWAI's effort aligns with India's broader strategy under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to harness rivers as a significant growth engine. The partnership with Jammu and Kashmir government is expected to spur local economy development while also promoting ecotourism in the region, showcasing the potential for integrating infrastructure improvements with environmental sustainability and economic revitalization.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: A government ministry overseeing ports, shipping, and waterways; the parent organization of IWAI.
IWAI: Inland Waterways Authority of India, an authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Srinagar: City in Jammu and Kashmir, location of the new IWAI office.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - source of the notification.
13 MAY 2025: Date of the press release.
Inland Water Transport IWT: Sector being strengthened in Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir: A union territory in India where IWAI is developing river navigation infrastructure.
Srinagars Transport Bhawan: Location of the new IWAI office in Srinagar.
JK government: The government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Memorandum of Understanding MoU: Agreement between IWAI and the government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to develop river navigation infrastructure.
NW26 River Chenab: National Waterway 26, located on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
NW49 River Jhelum: National Waterway 49, located on the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir.
NW84 River Ravi: National Waterway 84, located on the Ravi River.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal: Minister overseeing the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
GDHHRSJ: Release ID prefix.
2128419: Release ID number.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
IWAI sets up its new office in Srinagar; launches
initiatives to develop river navigation infrastructure in
J&K
Posted On: 13 MAY 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi
In a move that is set to strengthen the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in the Union Territory of Jammu
and Kashmir, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways sets up its new office in Srinagar’s Transport Bhawan. The office space has been provided by
J&K government. Functional from today, this office will be central to all the IWT works being undertaken by
the Authority in the region.
IWAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Union Territory of Jammu
and Kashmir to develop river navigation infrastructure in three national waterways in the Union Territory i.e.
NW-26 (River Chenab), NW-49 (River Jhelum), NW-84 (River Ravi). The Authority will now start the
development works under the framework of the MoU. These works include setting up of floating jetties at ten
locations in Jammu and Kashmir, development of navigational fairway by dredging wherever required, night
navigational aids and regular hydrographic surveys for safe plying of vessels in these waterways.Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has made several infrastructural
interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With proactive steps like developing IWT
terminals and related infrastructure, IWAI is working towards utilizing the immense potential of rivers across
the country. The partnership between IWAI and Jammu and Kashmir government is a significant step that
promises to promote eco-tourism in the union territory while also stimulating local economy.
****
GDH/HR/SJ
(Release ID: 2128419)