Indian Government Unveils Jalvahak for Waterway Transport

The Indian government has introduced a new initiative called “Jalvahak” to boost long-distance cargo transportation through inland waterways. Officially launched on December 15th, the program aims to ease traffic on highways and railway networks by encouraging the use of water-based transport routes.

As part of the scheme, fixed sailing services have been established on crucial routes, including Kolkata-Patna-Varanasi and Kolkata-Pandu (Guwahati). These services are designed to ensure consistent and timely delivery of goods. To motivate early participation, the program offers operators a reimbursement of approximately 35% of operating costs for cargo transported over distances exceeding 300 kilometers. The scheme will run for an initial period of three years.

The launch event also saw the ceremonial departure of three cargo vessels under the new scheme. These included the MV Trishul, transporting cement to Guwahati; the MV Homi Bhaba, carrying coal to Varanasi; and the MV Aai, delivering gypsum to Patna.

The Jalvahak initiative is also focused on fostering an environmentally friendly alternative to the predominant road and rail freight systems in India. By shifting cargo to waterways, the government expects a significant reduction in emissions and a more sustainable approach to transport. It is projected that by 2027, the scheme could shift over 800 million tonne-kilometers of freight to water-based routes, transforming India’s logistics sector.