Jalvahak Scheme, Objective, Features, Eligibility
The Jalvahak scheme has been launched to boost cargo movement through waterways. IWAI and ICSL will implement the Jalvahak Scheme.
Deeksha Dixit18 Dec, 2024
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The Jalvahak Scheme is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government to promote cargo movement via inland waterways. This scheme aims to enhance the efficiency of transportation while reducing logistics costs.
Jalvahak scheme offers cargo owners up to 35% reimbursement of operating costs for transporting goods over distances exceeding 300 km. Read on to learn more about the newly launched Jalvahak scheme.What is Jalvahak Scheme?
The government recently launched the Jalvahak Scheme to boost inland transport and enhance cargo movement along National Waterways 1, 2, and 16. The scheme aims to tap into the trade potential of India’s vast inland waterways, which the government views as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation option. Through this initiative, the government seeks to ease pressure on road and rail transport, promoting a more sustainable logistics system. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL) will work together to implement the Jalvahak Scheme.Jalvahak Scheme Objective
The Jalvahak Scheme focuses on promoting inland waterways for cargo transport. The government aims to achieve several goals:- Reduce Logistics Costs: By encouraging water transport, the government wants to provide a cheaper alternative to road and rail.
- Ease Road and Rail Congestion: With growing traffic, the scheme aims to reduce pressure on roads and railways by shifting some cargo to waterways.
- Promote Sustainable Transport: Waterways are more eco-friendly than road transport, aligning with the government's goal of sustainable transportation.
- Boost Trade Potential: The scheme aims to improve cargo efficiency, which can increase trade, economic activity, and job opportunities.
Key Features of Jalvahak Scheme
The Jalvahak Scheme offers several key benefits to cargo owners, encouraging the use of inland waterways for transportation. Below are the main features of the scheme:| Feature | Description |
| Launched by | Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways |
| Incentives for Cargo Owners | Up to 35% reimbursement of operating costs for transporting goods over 300 km via inland waterways. |
| Focus on National Waterways | Targets National Waterways 1 (Ganga River), National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra River), and National Waterways 16 (Barak River). |
| Joint Initiative | A collaboration between IWAI and ICSL to improve inland waterway operations and efficiency. |
| Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service | Cargo vessels operate on a fixed schedule, ensuring timely delivery of goods. |
| Validity | The scheme is valid for three years. |
Eligibility for Jalvahak Scheme
To qualify for the Jalvahak Scheme, cargo owners need to meet the below criteria:- Distance: Cargo owners must transport goods over a distance exceeding 300 km via inland waterways.
- Type of Cargo: The scheme is open to all types of cargo, including bulk and containerized goods, allowing various businesses to participate.
- Route: The cargo must be transported along National Waterways 1 (Ganga River), National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra River), or National Waterways 16 (Barak River) via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route.
- Regulatory Compliance: Participants must follow the regulations and guidelines set by the Inland Waterways Authority of India to ensure safety and proper operations.
Fixed-Day Sailing Service
A Fixed-Day Sailing Service refers to a scheduled transportation service where cargo vessels sail for fixed transit time. The Jalvahak scheme is unique for introducing a Fixed-Day Sailing Service designed to:- Prove the economic and environmental benefits of using waterways for cargo transport.
- Guarantee timely cargo delivery with set schedules and predictable transit times.
-
National Waterway 1 (NW 1)
: Connecting Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi. For NW 1 (Ganga River), the transit times are:
- 7 days from Kolkata to Patna.
- 5 days from Patna to Varanasi.
- 14 days for the entire stretch from Kolkata to Varanasi.
-
National Waterway 2 (NW 2):
Connecting Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati, utilizing the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) for navigation. For NW 2 (Brahmaputra River), the transit times are:
- 18 days from Kolkata to Pandu.
- 15 days from Pandu to Kolkata.
Inland Waterways in India
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has designated 111 National Waterways under the National Waterways Act of 2016. Out of the 111 declared national waterways, 13 are currently operational for shipping, navigation, and cargo movement. Inland waterways transport around 133.03 million tons of cargo through these routes (2023-24).
In conclusion, the Jalvahak Scheme represents a strategic move towards enhancing India's inland water transport infrastructure, aiming to make it a more useful component of the country's logistics and transportation network.
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Jalvahak Scheme FAQs
What is the Jalvahak Scheme?
The Jalvahak Scheme is a government initiative to promote cargo movement via inland waterways, offering financial incentives to cargo owners.
What are the objectives of the Jalvahak Scheme?
The main objectives include reducing logistics costs, decongesting road and rail networks, promoting sustainable transportation, and enhancing trade potential.
Who is eligible for the Jalvahak Scheme?
Cargo owners transporting goods over 300 km via inland waterways are eligible for the scheme.
Who are the implementing agencies of the Jalvahak Scheme?
The scheme is jointly implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL), a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCIL).
What is the duration of the Jalvahak Scheme?
The Jalvahak Scheme is initially valid for a period of three years.
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