Jalvahak Scheme

About Jalvahak Scheme: 

• It aims to unlock the trade potential of inland waterways while reducing logistics costs and decongesting road and rail networks.
• Features
  • Under the scheme, cargo owners transporting goods over distances exceeding 300 km via waterways will receive up to 35 per cent reimbursement on operating costs.
  • The scheme will remain valid for three years and is designed to optimise supply chains for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trade bodies.
  • It is a major step towards promoting sustainable and cost-effective transportation across National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak river).
  • The Jalvahak scheme incentivises long-haul cargo transport and ensures timely delivery through regular freight services. 
  • This marks the beginning of fixed Scheduled Service of Cargo Vessels from Haldia for NW 1 and NW 2.
  • The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will ply vessels between Kolkata – Patna – Varanasi – Patna – Kolkata stretch of NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). 
• Implemented by: It is jointly implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL).

Q1: What is the role of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)?

It came into existence on 27th October 1986 for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The head office of the Authority is at Noida. 

News: Govt launches ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to boost cargo movement through waterways

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