Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): The government has fast-tracked its ambitious water transport project in Kashmir, with the Jhelum river cruise set to lead the first phase, likely to be launched on a pilot basis by 2027.
Two MoUs worth Rs 1,000 crore have been signed, with authorities prioritising the Jhelum river cruise project featuring eight terminals across Anantnag, Srinagar and Bandipora.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), RTO Kashmir Qazi Irfan Rasool Zargar said the MoUs include Rs 100 crore for a river cruise on Jhelum and Rs 900 crore for a comprehensive urban water transport system covering both Jhelum and Dal Lake, aimed at establishing an eco-friendly alternate transport network in Kashmir.
He said the government is currently focusing on the first MoU concerning the Jhelum river cruise project, which will span across three districts - Anantnag, Srinagar and Bandipora - and include a total of eight terminals.
“The first phase will start from Pantha Chowk and pass through key locations in Srinagar, including Pantha Chowk and Zero Bridge, followed by multiple terminals before culminating in Bandipora district,” Zargar said, adding that land for the terminals has already been identified and allotted.
The RTO said a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been constituted for the execution of the project, under which the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will operate the services. “Work on the construction of platforms has already commenced at several locations,” he added.
Highlighting technical aspects, Zargar said that under the Request for Proposal (RFP) floated, the department has planned to introduce electric cruise boats with a seating capacity of around 20 passengers each. “We have focused on e-cruise boats to align with the concept of sustainable mobility, which is being adopted globally,” he said, adding that initial procurement is for two such boats.
On concerns regarding the dredging of the riverbed and its potential impact on houseboats and existing ecosystems, he said the projects have been taken up only after detailed feasibility studies. “This is a major investment, and all technical aspects have been examined. Experts, including teams from Kochi Metro, have conducted surveys on the ground,” he said.
The officer added that dredging requirements and water depth will be scientifically managed to ensure smooth operation of vessels without affecting existing structures or livelihoods. “It will be ensured that houseboats and other traditional systems are not impacted by this intervention,” he said.
The RTO further said that the second MoU focuses on developing a full-fledged urban water transport system integrating Dal Lake and the river Jhelum, which will significantly enhance connectivity within Srinagar and adjoining areas.
The idea, he said, is to create an alternate transport system on water that will not only ease pressure on roads but also revive waterways for modern use.
On the timeline, Zargar said that while work has just begun, the department is optimistic about early progress. “We are expecting that by 2027, at least the first phase of the Jhelum project will be operational on a pilot basis,” he said.
The proposed water transport initiative comes amid increasing focus on exploring alternative and sustainable mobility solutions in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar, where traffic congestion has grown significantly over the years. The river Jhelum, historically a key transport route, had fallen out of regular use with the expansion of road networks—(KNO)