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In a bid to enhance the transportation of goods through inland waterways, the Indian government has introduced the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme. This initiative aims to foster long-distance cargo transportation on national waterways, with a focus on reducing congestion in road and rail networks and encouraging environmentally friendly logistics solutions.
Overview and Key Details
Launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Jalvahak scheme is designed to incentivize the movement of goods over 300 kilometers along the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers—covering National Waterways 1, 2, and 16. This scheme offers cargo owners a reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating costs, making waterway transport more affordable. It is part of a broader effort to optimize India's 20,236 km inland waterways, which have been underused compared to nations like the United States and China.
Incentives and Support for Cargo Operators
The scheme provides targeted benefits for cargo owners who opt to transport goods via the designated waterways. The 35% reimbursement aims to reduce operating expenses, making it a cost-effective and greener alternative to road and rail transport. This move aligns with the government’s push towards sustainable development by reducing the carbon footprint of goods transportation.
Commencement of Regular Services
To mark the launch of the scheme, cargo vessels were flagged off from Kolkata, initiating regular scheduled services on key routes including Kolkata to Patna, Varanasi, and Guwahati. These services will adhere to fixed schedules, ensuring timely delivery and promoting reliability in the transport system.
Long-Term Vision and Investment
Looking ahead, the Indian government aims to increase the volume of cargo transported via inland waterways significantly. By 2030, India plans to move 200 million tonnes of cargo through these routes, with the goal rising to 500 million tonnes by 2047. A substantial investment of ₹95.4 crore is also planned by 2027, with a focus on further improving infrastructure and increasing capacity along the national waterways.
Growth of Inland Waterways Transport
In recent years, the utilization of India’s inland waterways has grown substantially. Since 2014, the volume of cargo transported via these routes has surged by 700%, from 18.07 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 132.89 million tonnes in 2023-24. The Jalvahak scheme is expected to further accelerate this growth, making inland waterways an essential component of India’s logistics network.
With this initiative, the government aims to unlock the full potential of India’s inland waterways, transforming them into a key driver of economic and environmental sustainability in the country's transport sector.