JALVAHAK SCHEME: BOOSTING INLAND WATERWAYS

GS 3 – Water resource 

Key Highlights:

• Policy Unveiled: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) introduced the Jalvahak scheme to promote long-haul cargo transport via National Waterways 1 (Ganga), National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (Barak).
• Incentive Structure:
  • Direct reimbursement of up to 35% of operational expenses for cargo transport over 300 km.
  • Encourages use of vessels operated by private entities in addition to government-operated ones.
  • Scheme is valid for 3 years, aiming to reduce logistics costs and decongest roadways and railways.

Fixed Day Scheduled Service:

• Route Details:
  • NW 1 (Ganga): Kolkata – Patna – Varanasi – Kolkata.
  • NW 2 (Brahmaputra): Kolkata to Pandu (via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route).

First Cargo Vessels Flagged Off:

1. MV Trishul: 1500 tonnes of cement from Kolkata to Pandu.
2. MV Aai: 1000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna.
3. MV Homi Bhaba: 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.

Objectives of the Scheme:

1. Economic Efficiency:
   • Promote waterways as a cost-effective and sustainable transport mode.
   • Modal shift target of 800 million tonne-kilometres with ₹95.4 crores investment by 2027.
2. Environmental Impact:
   • Reduce carbon emissions compared to road and rail transport.
3. Infrastructure Readiness:
   • Demonstrate the viability of waterways for smooth, timely, and large-scale cargo movement.

Achievements & Future Goals:

• Cargo movement on waterways increased by 700%, from 18.07 million MT (2013-14) to 132.89 million MT (2023-24).
• Target for 200 million MT cargo movement by 2030 and 500 million MT by 2047.

Significance for India:

• Blue Economy: Unlocks trade potential via waterways, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
• Regional Development: Improves logistics for eastern India and uplifts communities along major rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.
• Global Comparison: India aims to enhance the utilisation of its 20,236 km of navigable waterways, aligning with global leaders like the US, China, and EU nations.

The Jalvahak scheme marks a significant step toward reviving and modernizing India’s inland waterways, providing an economical, sustainable, and efficient alternative to traditional transport modes. This initiative aligns with India’s vision for infrastructure-led growth and Atmanirbhar Bharat.