Kolkata: In a move to boost cargo transportation via inland waterways and reduce congestion on road and railways, Union minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowalunveiled a scheduled freight service and ‘Jalvahak’ scheme on Sunday.
The initiative incentivises long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak). The minister also flagged off three cargo ships — MV AAI, MV Homi Bhabha, and MV Trishul — alongside two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from the GR Jetty in Kolkata. The ceremony marked the launch of fixed-day scheduled cargo services on National Waterways 1 and 2.
The service will connect Kolkata, Patna and Varanasi on NW 1, and Kolkata to Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). Transit timelines are fixed — Kolkata to Patna in seven days, Patna to Varanasi in five days, and Kolkata to Pandu in 18 days.
Speaking at the launch, Sonowal emphasized government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of India’s inland waterways. “Jalvahak not only boosts the cargo movement through economical and environmentally sustainable means but also decongests railways and roadways. Regular scheduled freight services will ensure timely delivery, instilling confidence among cargo users,” he said. The first vessel, MV Trishul, departed carrying 1,500 tonnes of cement to Pandu in Guwahati via IBPR. MV AAI transported 1,000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna, while MV Homi Bhabha carried 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.
The Jalvahak scheme Offers up to 35% reimbursement of operating costs for cargo transported over distances exceeding 300 km on NW 1, NW 2, and NW 16.
It encourages businesses to explore inland waterways for bulk and containerised cargo, supporting vessel operators beyond the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited.
Initially valid for three years, the service aims to reduce logistics costs, promote sustainable transportation and optimize supply chain networks.
The initiative incentivises long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak). The minister also flagged off three cargo ships — MV AAI, MV Homi Bhabha, and MV Trishul — alongside two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from the GR Jetty in Kolkata. The ceremony marked the launch of fixed-day scheduled cargo services on National Waterways 1 and 2.
The service will connect Kolkata, Patna and Varanasi on NW 1, and Kolkata to Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). Transit timelines are fixed — Kolkata to Patna in seven days, Patna to Varanasi in five days, and Kolkata to Pandu in 18 days.
Speaking at the launch, Sonowal emphasized government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of India’s inland waterways. “Jalvahak not only boosts the cargo movement through economical and environmentally sustainable means but also decongests railways and roadways. Regular scheduled freight services will ensure timely delivery, instilling confidence among cargo users,” he said. The first vessel, MV Trishul, departed carrying 1,500 tonnes of cement to Pandu in Guwahati via IBPR. MV AAI transported 1,000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna, while MV Homi Bhabha carried 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.
The Jalvahak scheme Offers up to 35% reimbursement of operating costs for cargo transported over distances exceeding 300 km on NW 1, NW 2, and NW 16.
It encourages businesses to explore inland waterways for bulk and containerised cargo, supporting vessel operators beyond the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited.
Initially valid for three years, the service aims to reduce logistics costs, promote sustainable transportation and optimize supply chain networks.
