*Rs 100 crore project expected to boost tourism, create jobs
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, June 2: Jammu and Kashmir is set to enter a new era of inland water tourism with the introduction of river cruise services at multiple locations across the Union Territory under a major infrastructure initiative being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
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The ambitious project, which envisages the development of floating jetties and modern passenger facilities along designated waterways, is expected to significantly strengthen the tourism sector, generate employment opportunities and position J&K as an emerging destination for river-based tourism.
Sources in the Transport Department, which is coordinating with IWAI on the project, told Excelsior that the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme being undertaken by IWAI to promote inland water tourism across India. Jammu and Kashmir was brought under the programme through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IWAI and the J&K Government during a recent Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar.
“The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and J&K Minister Satish Sharma,” sources said, adding, under the project, ten locations across J&K have been identified for the development of river tourism infrastructure. Three of these sites are located in Jammu division, while seven are situated in Kashmir Valley.
The proposed locations in Jammu division include Akhnoor and Reasi on the Chenab River and Sohar on Ravi River in Kathua district. In Kashmir, floating jetties are planned at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal (Chattabal), Sumbal Bridge and the Gund Prang-Bandipora stretch along the Jhelum River.
Officials said that before cruise operations can commence, floating jetties will be installed along with supporting landside infrastructure, including waiting halls, passenger amenities and other tourism-related facilities. The overall project is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore.
Jammu and Kashmir presently has three notified National Waterways-National Waterway Number 26 on the Chenab River, National Waterway Number 49 on the Jhelum River and National Waterway Number 84 on the Ravi River. The proposed infrastructure development is expected to unlock the tourism potential of these waterways and integrate the Union Territory into India’s expanding inland water transport and tourism network.
Tourism experts believe the initiative will diversify J&K’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional attractions, creating new opportunities for recreational travel, heritage tourism and local entrepreneurship. Once completed, the river cruise network is expected to provide visitors with a unique way to experience the scenic beauty, culture and heritage of the Union Territory while contributing to regional economic growth.
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