Govt Unveils ‘Jalvahak’ Scheme to Boost Inland Waterways Cargo Movement

The Indian government has launched the Jalvahak incentive scheme to encourage long-haul cargo transportation via national waterways. Aimed at decongesting road and rail networks and promoting sustainable transport, the scheme offers direct incentives for transporting goods over 300 km on waterways.

Background and Key Features

The Jalvahak scheme, unveiled by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, covers National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak). It incentivizes cargo owners by providing up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs, making waterway transportation an economical and eco-friendly alternative. This initiative is part of India’s broader effort to unlock the potential of its 20,236 km inland waterways network, which has been underutilized compared to global leaders like the US and China.

Incentives for Cargo Owners and Operators

Targeted Incentives: Cargo owners are encouraged to transport goods over 300 km via these waterways.

Reimbursement Scheme: Offers up to 35% of total operating expenditure.

Economic and Ecological Benefits: Supports cost-effective, environmentally responsible transportation.

Commencement of Fixed Scheduled Services

The scheme was launched with the flagging off of cargo ships from Kolkata, marking the beginning of fixed-schedule services. The services will operate between Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Guwahati, with set transit times aimed at ensuring timely delivery.

Future Goals and Investment Plans

India plans to move 200 million tonnes of cargo by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. An investment of ₹95.4 crore by 2027 is expected to significantly boost cargo movement on national waterways.

Past and Present Developments

In 2014, India’s inland waterways faced underutilization, but recent investments have led to a 700% increase in cargo transported, from 18.07 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 132.89 million tonnes in 2023-24. The Jalvahak scheme is a step forward in realizing the vision of transforming India’s waterways into a key logistical hub.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Jalvahak Scheme Launch by Government of India	– Jalvahak scheme launched for long-haul cargo movement via inland waterways (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Barak rivers).
	– 35% operating cost reimbursement for transporting goods over 300 km.
	– Target to increase inland waterway cargo transportation to 200 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047.
	– Part of the National Waterways (NW) project and broader logistics strategy.
Scheme Details	– Focuses on reducing logistics costs and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
	– Promotes cargo movement by waterways, easing road and rail congestion.
Static Information	– Inland waterways include Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers.
	– India aims to reduce logistics costs from 13% to 9% of GDP by 2030.
	– Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is overseeing the scheme.
Key Fact	– Cargo owners can claim reimbursement up to ₹10 lakh under the scheme.