The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to develop and promote river cruise tourism in the region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish cruise circuits from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat. The cost of the project is about Rs 10 billion.
Under the MoU, IWAI will develop waterside infrastructure, including ten floating jetties and landside facilities such as waiting halls and passenger amenities. Two jetties will be installed on River Chenab [National Waterway (NW) 26] at Akhnoor and Reasi, seven on River Jhelum (NW-49) in Srinagar and Bandipora, and one at Sohar on River Ravi (NW-84). Additionally, IWAI will carry out dredging operations, develop navigational fairways, install navigational aids, and conduct hydrographic surveys to ensure safe vessel movement. Meanwhile, the J&K government will provide land for landside infrastructure, secure statutory clearances, and appoint cruise operators along the three national waterways.