Cargo Promotion Scheme ‘Jalvahak’ Launched

On 15th December 2024, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to enhance cargo movement on India’s national waterways.

Key Points

Focus of the Scheme: Jalvahak incentivizes cargo owners to transport goods over 300 km via inland waterways, covering the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers.
Fixed Scheduled Services: Three cargo ships with two dumb barges were flagged off from the GR Jetty in Kolkata, initiating fixed scheduled services from Haldia for National Waterways 1 and 2.
Advantages of Waterways: The minister highlighted that inland waterways are an economical, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation mode, aiming to decongest railways and roadways.
India’s Inland Waterways Network: India has 20,236 km of navigable waterways, with 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals suitable for mechanized craft