Jammu and Kashmir, India launches a bold river tourism expansion with floating jetties and advanced infrastructure to boost travel, trade, and economic growth.

MoU Signed to Boost River Tourism, Employment, and Economic Growth in Jammu & Kashmir

A strategic agreement has been signed to enhance tourism, generate employment, and drive economic growth by introducing budget and leisure tourism on local rivers in Jammu & Kashmir. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized on the sidelines of Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

Jammu & Kashmir is home to three designated national waterways among the 111 national waterways in India:

  • River Chenab (NW-26)
  • River Jhelum (NW-49)
  • River Ravi (NW-84)

Infrastructure Development Under the Agreement
As part of this initiative, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, will develop essential waterside and landside infrastructure to facilitate river tourism. The plan includes:

  • 10 floating jetties for passenger access.
  • Waiting halls and amenities for cruise passengers.
  • Navigational fairway improvements to ensure safe vessel movement.

Planned Floating Jetty Installations
The 10 floating jetties will be strategically placed across the Union Territory:

  • Chenab River (NW-26): 2 jetties at Akhnoor and Reasi near Jammu.
  • Jhelum River (NW-49): 7 jetties at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang (Srinagar & Bandipora).
  • Ravi River (NW-84): 1 jetty at Sohar.

Enhancing River Navigation
Beyond infrastructure, the IWAI will also work on improving river navigation by:

  • Dredging to maintain navigability.
  • Installing navigational aids to assist safe movement.
  • Conducting hydrographic surveys for vessel safety.

 

This initiative is expected to revolutionize river-based tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, opening up new economic opportunities, employment prospects, and tourism experiences, while strengthening the region’s inland water transport network.