In a strategic step to unlock sustainable transport and eco-tourism potential in Jammu and Kashmir, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has opened its first office in Srinagar.
This institutional expansion signals a larger commitment by the Union Government to revive the region’s riverine economy through climate-resilient inland waterway infrastructure. The new office, launched under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will be at the centre of plans to transform the Union Territory’s natural water channels into a clean and accessible mode of mobility. IWAI will spearhead the development of inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure across three notified national waterways in the region the Chenab (NW-26), Jhelum (NW-49), and Ravi (NW-84).
The strategy involves building floating jetties at ten locations, dredging riverbeds to create safe navigation channels, installing night navigation aids, and conducting hydrographic surveys. These measures aim to ensure uninterrupted vessel movement and provide last-mile transport connectivity in some of India’s most ecologically sensitive areas. Jammu and Kashmir’s topography marked by rivers, lakes, and seasonal streams offers a natural advantage for low-emission water transport. Yet, decades of underutilisation and infrastructural neglect have left these natural assets disconnected from the region’s mainstream transport network. The launch of IWAI’s Srinagar unit, therefore, marks a critical move towards integrating water-based mobility with regional development.
This initiative also follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between IWAI and the J&K administration. The partnership aims to transition the region towards green transport solutions while generating local employment, improving accessibility to remote communities, and fostering ecologically conscious tourism. Beyond the major rivers, IWAI is also assessing the navigation viability of prominent lakes such as Dal and Wullar. The agency has revived proposals to develop hospitality infrastructure, including a floating cruise hotel on Wullar Lake. If implemented sensitively, such ventures are expected to revitalise lake tourism without compromising ecological balance.
Officials have underscored the significance of sustainable water transport in boosting Kashmir’s economic resilience. With fewer carbon emissions than road-based logistics and greater adaptability in tough terrains, river navigation presents an ideal complement to existing infrastructure. Experts view this move as a turning point in the region’s urban and rural connectivity. The ecological footprint of water transport is significantly lower than road or air alternatives, and if backed by the right technology and regulation, it could redefine how goods and people move in the valley. As Kashmir grapples with the dual challenge of promoting economic development and preserving its fragile ecosystem, the introduction of well-regulated inland water transport presents a rare win-win opportunity. IWAI’s presence in Srinagar is not just an administrative milestone it represents a pivot towards greener, more inclusive, and locally anchored modes of growth.
While the long-term success of this initiative will depend on careful planning and community participation, it has already sparked optimism among environmental planners and tourism stakeholders alike. For a region as ecologically rich and historically water-bound as Kashmir, this development may well be the return of a long-lost lifeline.
Also Read :Mumbai Bets Big on Water Transport
