J&K waterways development advances towards 2027 passenger services

Short news summary

Jammu and Kashmir is preparing the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi for passenger transport and river tourism, with public use targeted for 2027. Infrastructure works include terminals, pontoons and navigation aids, while 10 hybrid-electric catamarans are under construction. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has directed agencies to resolve outstanding issues and maintain project timelines.

Three rivers targeted for operationalisation

J&K waterways development is moving towards passenger and tourism services in 2027, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewing preparations on 8 October and directing executing agencies to complete the infrastructure needed for public use.

The programme covers Jhelum, designated National Waterway-49; Chenab, National Waterway-26; and Ravi, National Waterway-84. Inland Waterways Authority of India chairman Sushil Kumar Lohani told the meeting that the three waterways are targeted for operationalisation during financial year 2026–27.

The review examined onshore infrastructure being developed by Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited and navigation facilities and river-related works being undertaken by IWAI. Dulloo asked divisional commissioners to monitor progress regularly and visit project sites to address implementation bottlenecks.

Jhelum project combines cruises and passenger facilities

The Jhelum waterway extends approximately 110 kilometres from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake. Within this stretch, a proposed 106-kilometre cruise route links locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.

A ₹66.11 crore work order has been issued for 10 hybrid-electric catamarans, each designed to carry 20 passengers. Vessel designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted for March 2027.

Navigation infrastructure is also progressing. All 52 required high-density polyethylene buoys have been delivered, and six of eight concrete pontoons or jetties have been cast. Completion of these facilities is targeted for December 2026.

Construction has begun on eight passenger and tourist terminals, with completion scheduled for June 2027. Their design will combine Kashmiri architectural features with modern structural and utility facilities.

The separate deadlines for vessels, landing infrastructure and terminals indicate that project components will become ready at different stages. The operationalisation target therefore needs to be distinguished from completion of every planned passenger facility.

Chenab and Ravi infrastructure moves forward

The Chenab development reviewed at the meeting covers approximately 53 kilometres between Reasi and Akhnoor. A cruise route has been identified, and terminal land at both locations has been handed over to IWAI.

The Ravi waterway extends approximately 44 kilometres from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli. An initial cruise route has been identified at Sohar, while arrangements for terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam are being processed.

Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi are underway, with completion targeted for December 2026. Detailed project reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.

Utilities and access remain implementation priorities

Outstanding work includes relocating overhead electricity lines and poles, removing cofferdams, providing permanent water and power connections, arranging wastewater facilities and widening approach roads.

Dulloo called for close coordination between district administrations and executing agencies. He emphasised river tourism and passenger mobility, particularly the potential to offer alternative transport in congested urban areas, while maintaining safety and environmental sustainability.

These remain intended benefits. The review did not announce passenger fares, operating frequencies or a confirmed date for the start of individual services.

Earlier agreement established the development framework

The current works follow a March 2025 agreement between IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir government to develop the inland navigation ecosystem on the three rivers. An investment of approximately ₹100 crore was announced for infrastructure supporting transportation, tourism and associated economic activity.

IWAI subsequently opened an office at Srinagar’s Transport Bhawan in May 2025 to coordinate its regional inland water transport activities. This provided a local institutional base for implementing the programme with the Union Territory administration.

The projects also form part of a wider national expansion. In August 2026, the Union government identified 19 additional waterways for development predominantly for cruise tourism and passenger ferries over five years. The Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi were included in the 2026–27 programme, placing the latest review within an existing implementation roadmap.

FAQs

Which rivers are covered by the programme?

The programme covers the Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84).

When are passenger services expected to begin?

Public use is targeted for 2027, with operationalisation planned during 2026–27. Individual service launch dates have not been specified.

What vessels are being built?

Ten hybrid-electric catamarans, each accommodating 20 passengers, are under construction, with delivery targeted for March 2027.

When will the Jhelum passenger terminals be ready?

The eight passenger and tourist terminals are targeted for completion by June 2027.