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Special Content


Issue no 39, 28 December 2024 - 03 January 2025

"Jalavahak" Scheme: Promoting Inland Waterways and Cargo Movement Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled the Jalavahak scheme on December 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone in India's Inland Waterways Policy. This initiative aims to promote long-distance cargo transportation through National Waterway 1 (River Ganga), National Water-way 2 (River Brahmaputra), and National Waterway 16 (River Barak). The launch event also featured the flagging off of vessels MV AAI, MV Homi Bhabha, MV Trishul, and two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from GR Jetty. These vessels initiated scheduled cargo services on routes connecting Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu in Guwahati via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). Reviving Trade through Inland Waterways Historically, waterways were the primary mode of trade in India. However, with the advent of rail, road, and air transport, the use of waterways declined, leading to the closure of many ports. The Government of India has now revised its Inland Waterways Policy to tap into the potential of this environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient mode of transport. The Jalavahak scheme seeks to ease congestion on roads and railways while providing an economic value proposition for businesses to explore cargo transport via waterways. Scheduled freight services ensure timely delivery and build confidence in inland waterways as a viable alternative. How the Jalavahak Scheme Propels the Blue Economy India has witnessed a transformative surge in cargo movement via its revitalised waterways, growing from 18.07 million MT in 2013-14 to an estimated 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, representing a staggering 600% increase. This remarkable growth underscores the effectiveness of targeted investments and policy reforms aimed at revitalising inland waterways as a key mode of transport. By setting a modal shift target of 800 million tonne-kilometres by 2027, supported by an investment of Rs. 95.4 crore, the Government has reinforced its commitment to leveraging the untapped potential of India's vast water resources. Optimising inland waterways offers a multifaceted advantage. It significantly reduces logistics costs, which are traditionally higher in India compared to global benchmarks, thus improving trade competitiveness. Inland water transport is also inherently energy-efficient, consuming less fuel per tonne-kilometre than road or rail, making it a more environ-mentally sustainable option. Moreover, the reduced dependency on road and rail networks helps alleviate congestion and minimises wear and tear on existing infrastructure. The Jalavahak scheme amplifies these efforts by providing a structured framework to incentivise cargo movement through National Waterways. This initiative not only supports economic efficiency but also aligns with the core principles of the Blue Economy, which emphasise sustainable use of water resources for economic growth, environmental preservation, and livelihood generation. The scheme fosters regional connectivity, integrates under-utilised water routes into the national transport network, and unlocks new economic opportunities for industries and trade hubs located along the waterways. By fostering innovation in logistics, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and facilitating economic diversification, the Jalavahak scheme embodies the vision of a sustainable and resilient Blue Economy. It reflects India's commitment to balancing development with ecological stewardship, setting a global example for harnessing water-borne transport as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Inland Waterways Policy: A Historical Perspective India's vast network of rivers and canals offers immense potential for Inland Water Transport (IWT). However, with the advent of railways during British rule, waterways lost prominence. Structured efforts to revive IWT began in the 1980s with the establishment of the IWAI in 1986. A significant breakthrough came with the National Waterways Act, 2016, which designated 111 waterways as National Waterways, aiming to reduce pressure on road and rail infrastructure. Key Initiatives Under the Policy: • Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Supported by the World Bank, this project focusses on developing NW-1 with multimodal terminals and navigational aids. • Sagarmala Project: While primarily focused on port development, it integrates IWT with coastal shipping. • Public- Private Partner-ships (PPP): Encourages private sector participation in infrastructure development. • Skill Development: Provides training for boat operators and engineers to ensure a skilled workforce. Future Prospects and Challenges Inland Water Transport is poised to play a crucial role in India's efforts towards green and sustainable logistics. By integrating technological advancements and fostering public-private collaboration, the Government envisions transforming the waterways landscape. While challenges such as infra-structure gaps and regulatory hurdles persist, a concerted effort by stakeholders can unlock the vast potential of India's inland waterways, significantly contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability. India's Inland Waterways Policy represents a strategic shift towards efficient and sustainable transport. The Jalavahak scheme and related initiatives reaffirm the Government's commitment to leveraging waterways as a key component of a modern and integrated transport network. Benefits of the Jalavahak Scheme • Efficient Cargo Transport: Vessels such as MV Trishul, MV AAI, and MV Homi Bhabha are used to transport goods like cement, gypsum, and coal across waterways. • Incentives for Cargo Owners: Cargo owners are incentivised to use waterways for distances over 300 km, with reimbursements of up to 35% of operating expenses. • Encouragement for Private Operators: The scheme promotes the use of privately owned or operated vessels, expanding participation beyond government agencies. • Reduced Logistics Costs: By leveraging inland waterways, the scheme lowers overall logistics costs for businesses. • Sustainable Transport Mode: Promotes an environ-mentally friendly and sustainable alternative to road and rail transport. • Scheduled Services: Regular services operate between Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu (Guwahati) via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). • Reliable Delivery Timelines: Ensures dependable transit times ranging from 5 to 14 days, boosting confidence in waterways as a viable mode of transport. • Joint Implementation: Operated by IWAI and ICSL, the scheme combines expertise to strengthen the inland waterways network. Compiled by Sudhit Mishra, EN Team.