Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi waterways together cover 207 km; river cruises, passenger mobility planned
Srinagar, October 8: Jammu & Kashmir is preparing to operationalise three National Waterways — Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi — during 2026–27, potentially opening a new mode of passenger movement and river-based tourism in the Union Territory.
The three waterways cover a combined 207 km, with the Jhelum waterway extending 110 km, the Chenab 53 km and the Ravi 44 km.
The roadmap for their operationalisation was reviewed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday at a meeting convened to assess the readiness of the waterways, including onshore infrastructure, navigation facilities and river ecosystem requirements.
Three waterways, three routes
According to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Chairperson Sushil Kumar Lohani, the Jhelum National Waterway (NW-49) extends 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake.
The Chenab National Waterway (NW-26) covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor, while the Ravi National Waterway (NW-84) extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
The three waterways are being developed with an emphasis on river cruises, passenger movement and tourism, alongside navigation infrastructure.
Jhelum gets biggest push
The Jhelum waterway has reached the most advanced stage of development, with a 106-km river cruise route proposed between Sangam and Wular Lake.
The proposed route will connect several prominent locations, including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
A major component is the procurement of 10 hybrid-electric catamarans, each capable of carrying 20 passengers. A work order worth ₹66.11 crore has been issued, vessel designs have been approved and construction is under way, with delivery targeted for March 2027.
All 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have already been delivered. Six of eight concrete pontoons and jetties have been cast, with completion targeted by December 2026.
Construction has also started on eight passenger and tourist terminals at Sangam, Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Byopar Mandal Ghat, Chattabal Weir, Sumbal and Gund Prang. These facilities are targeted for completion by June 2027 and will incorporate a local Kashmiri architectural character along with modern structural and utility features.
Chenab and Ravi projects
On the Chenab, the cruise route has been identified for initial development between the proposed terminal locations. Land for terminals at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.
On the Ravi, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu, while land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam is being processed for terminal development.
Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi waterways are under casting and are targeted for completion by December 2026. Detailed Project Reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.
11 terminal sites transferred
The meeting was informed that all 11 identified land parcels required for terminal development have been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI.
Apart from the Jhelum sites, Manda in Akhnoor and Talwara in Reasi have also been handed over for development. The remaining parcel at Domar/Satwain in Kathua is being processed with the concerned authorities.
Focus on tourism and urban mobility
Dulloo said the waterways could add a new dimension to tourism and urban mobility in J&K, particularly through river cruises and passenger services.
He directed the Divisional Commissioners to periodically review progress in their respective divisions and undertake occasional site visits to ensure that bottlenecks are resolved quickly.
The Chief Secretary said most of the issues confronting the projects were minor and could be resolved through timely coordination between divisional administrations and the executing agencies.
He asked IPRCL and IWAI to adhere strictly to prescribed timelines and ensure that navigation infrastructure, supporting river ecosystems and other facilities are put in place for public use.
Dulloo said river-based tourism should be developed alongside passenger movement to help reduce pressure on roads in congested urban areas, while ensuring safe, sustainable and attractive services for tourists and commuters.
Infrastructure bottlenecks remain
Several issues requiring intervention by different departments were also flagged, including modification of overhead HT/LT power lines to meet navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, provision of permanent water and electricity connections, wastewater disposal arrangements and widening of approach roads to terminal sites.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Chairperson IWAI, Divisional Commissioners, Secretary Transport, General Group Manager of IPRCL and other senior officers.
If completed as scheduled, the three waterways could introduce a new inland transport and tourism network in J&K, while creating opportunities for local economic activity around river terminals and connected destinations.
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