Srinagar, Oct 8: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the preparedness for development and operationalisation of National Waterways across Jammu and Kashmir, directing executing agencies to adhere strictly to timelines and make the waterways ready for public use by next year.

The meeting reviewed the onshore infrastructure being developed by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and navigation and river ecosystem facilities being prepared by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The Chief Secretary directed Divisional Commissioners to regularly review progress in their respective divisions and undertake site visits to resolve bottlenecks. He observed that most pending issues were minor and could be addressed promptly through coordination between district administrations and executing agencies.
Dulloo highlighted the tourism and urban mobility potential of waterways, saying river cruises could become a major attraction while offering an alternative mode of transport in congested urban areas. He called for development focused on tourism, passenger movement and reducing pressure on roads, while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
IWAI Chairperson Sushil Kumar Lohani said three National Waterways—Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84)—are targeted for operationalisation during 2026-27.
The 110-km Jhelum waterway will connect Sangam Bridge in Anantnag with Wular Lake, while the 53-km Chenab waterway will run between Reasi and Akhnoor. The 44-km Ravi waterway will extend from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
On Jhelum, a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed, covering Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
A work order worth ₹66.11 crore has been issued for 10 hybrid-electric catamarans, each with a capacity of 20 passengers. Construction is underway, with delivery targeted by March 2027.
All 52 navigational HDPE buoys have been delivered, while six of eight concrete pontoons/jetties have been cast and are targeted for completion by December 2026.
Construction has also begun on eight passenger and tourist terminals, with completion targeted by June 2027. The terminals will incorporate local Kashmiri architectural elements along with modern facilities.
For the Chenab, the cruise route has been identified and terminal land at Reasi and Akhnoor handed over to IWAI. On the Ravi, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar, while terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam is being processed.
Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi are underway and targeted for completion by December 2026. DPRs for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.
All 11 identified land parcels for terminal development have been transferred to the Transport Department and handed over to IWAI, while sites on the Jhelum, Manda in Akhnoor and Talwara in Reasi have also been handed over.
Several issues requiring inter-departmental intervention remain, including shifting overhead power lines and electrical poles, removal of coffer dams, permanent water and power connections, wastewater arrangements and widening of approach roads.
The projects are expected to give a major boost to river-based tourism, passenger mobility and sustainable inland transport, while creating new economic opportunities for communities along the waterways.