Jalvahak Scheme

Jalvahak Scheme

Union Minister Launches 'Jalvahak' Scheme to Boost Inland Waterways and Cargo Movement The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways has introduced the 'Jalvahak' scheme to enhance inland waterways and reduce logistics costs.

Key Objectives

• Unlock the trade potential of inland waterways.
• Reduce logistics costs and decongest road and rail networks.
• Promote long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways (NW) 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak).

Incentives Under the Scheme

1. Reimbursement Benefits:
   • Up to 35% of operating expenses for cargo movement on NW 1, 2, and 16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
2. Support for Private Operators:
   • Encourages hiring private vessels to promote competition and efficiency.

Economic and Environmental Goals

• Target to shift 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo by 2027.
• Increase cargo movement:
  • From 132.89 million tonnes (2023-24) to 200 million tonnes by 2030.
  • Further boost to 500 million tonnes by 2047.
• Supports Blue Economy and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

• Established in 1986 to regulate and develop inland waterways.
• India boasts 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including rivers, canals, and backwaters.
• Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 111 waterways (5 existing and 106 new) are declared as NWs.

This scheme aims to establish waterways as a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation, reinforcing India's sustainable development goals.

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