In May 2025, Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP)-based Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), has established its new office, located at Transport Bhawan in Srinagar, Union Territory (UT) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). This move is expected to bolster the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in J&K.
- The J&K government has provided the space for newly established IWAI’s office that became operational on May 13, 2025.
- This new office will serve as the central hub for its activities in J&K, monitoring the development of river navigation infrastructure across the region.
Key Points:
i.In March 2025, IWAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of J&K to develop river navigation infrastructure across 3 National Waterways (NWs): NW-26 (river Chenab); NW-49 (river Jhelum) and NW-84(river Ravi).
ii.IWAI will now undertake the development works in UT J&K as outlined in the MoU. Some of these development works include:
- To set up floating jetties at 10 locations in J&K;
- To develop navigational fairway by dredging of river beds wherever required;
- To provide night navigation aids; and
- To conduct regular hydrographic surveys to ensure safe passage of vessels.
iii.Apart from this, the IWAI is actively working on enhancing navigation infrastructure in two of Kashmir’s most iconic water bodies: Dal Lake and Wular Lake in Kashmir, J&K.
Significance of MoU:
i.The MoU is part of a wider national strategy to explore the potential of inland waterways as a sustainable mode of transport and economic river.
ii.Also, the partnership between IWAI and the government of J&K will open up new avenues for eco-tourism and economic development in the region by enhancing connectivity and reducing logistical costs.
Point to Note: In April 2025, IWAI reported a record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) in the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), up from 18.1 MMT in FY14, registering a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.86%.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
It was established in 1986 under IWAI Act, 1985. It is mandated with the development and regulation of waterways which are declared NWs in India.
Chairman- Vijay Kumar
Headquarters- Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
