This was a giant leap for the country in transforming its logistics and transportation sector with the inauguration of the “Jalvahak” scheme under the leadership of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways to boost the movement of cargo by availing the vast network of the Indian nation with water ways. By incentivizing the use of National Waterways (NW) 1, NW 2, and NW 16, this initiative will revolutionize cargo transport with an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional road and rail transport.
What is ‘Jalvahak’ Scheme?
The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme is designed to promote long-distance cargo movement through the country’s major waterways: Ganga (NW1), Brahmaputra (NW2), and Barak (NW16). This policy encourages the movement of goods over more than 300 kilometers through waterways. Its primary goals are to reduce congestion in roads and railways, increase logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainable modes of transportation.
Key Highlights of the Jalvahak Scheme
Cargo Promotion and Incentives: The Jalvahak scheme offers significant incentives in terms of finance to the cargo owners who choose to move their goods through the designated national waterways. There is up to 35% reimbursement of operating expenses for the transporters using these routes, which encourages a shift towards waterways for freight movement.
Service to fixed-scheduled cargo service: Commenced services with the launch of scheduled fixed-services cargo services on Kolkata-Patna-Varanasi as well as Kolkata-Pandu stretches. Scheduled Service Shall provide the facility of carriage of cargo in an efficient time-and, therefore, provide the option of regular large-sized movement over waterways.
Economic and Environmental Benefits: The waterways transport is not only economically viable but also far less polluting than the alternatives of road or rail transport. In the process, cargo shifting to rivers will reduce freight movement’s carbon footprint and contribute to India’s environment goals.
Promote Waterways for Efficient Cargo Movement
The government has invested heavily into the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme, promoting the use of waterways to move bulk commodities like cement, coal, and gypsum. To begin with, the maiden voyage of three vessels-MV Trishul, MV AAI, and MV Homi Bhaba-carried a total cargo of 2,700 tonnes for the first three vessels.
It will allow the country to achieve its goal of moving 800 million tonne kilometres of cargo through these waterways by 2027 and reduce dependence on the road and rail systems. It will cost the government ₹95.4 crore to shift to this, which amounts to about 17 per cent of the cargo movement currently handled on national waterways.
Regional Logistics and Connectivity Impact
Successful cargo movement: Scheduled service allows firms to plan their shipments effectively since the transit times have been fixed. For example, cargo between Kolkata and Patna will take only 7 days, that between Kolkata and Varanasi will take 14 days. The planned service to Pandu in Guwahati will further develop regional connectivity and ease state borders for trade.
Transportation through cost-effective shipping: Businesses will find it highly economical for transport using the Jalvahak scheme. With the amount of incentives offered in the name of the scheme, logistics cost is coming down, thus making waterways a still cheaper alternative to transport through waterways.
Supporting the Local Economies: It will be conceived as providing the impetus to further growth in economic terms through waterways to all waterway regions in India, in particular eastern India. With better connectivity and a sounder infrastructural base promised with a move to transport more cargoes through the waterways, better trading and business prospects would ensue for these areas as well.
Future Plans of Developing India’s Water Network
India has a vast network of navigable rivers and canals that stretch over 20,000 kilometers, though for a long time, the potential of inland waterways remained under-exploited. The government has now revived national waterways through schemes like Jalvahak and positioned them as an integral part of logistics infrastructure.
The efforts of the government have already started to bloom into fruits. Cargo movement through national waterways increased from 18 million tons in 2013-14 to over 132 million tons in 2023-24. The ambitious goal is to reach 500 million tons by 2047 and 200 million tons by 2030.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Indian Transport and Trade
The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme is a transformative initiative that promises to unlock the full potential of India’s inland waterways. This will be sustainable as well as cost-efficient, allowing for economic growth while decreasing the carbon footprint of transporting cargo. The scheme is one that will ease pressure on India’s rail and road networks.
As India makes its journey closer to becoming a logistics hub of the world, ‘Jalvahak’ is bound to be one of the flagship schemes on that journey to economic and environmental sustainability. Future for cargo transport looks bright in India, which with continued investment in its infrastructure and policy support soon will see inland water transport emerging as one of the mainstream modes of transportation for goods all over the country.
Refer:
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Also read : India Inland Waterways Revival: The Cargo and Passenger Transport Game Changer