Guwahati: The MV Trishul, accompanied by dumb barges Ajay and Dikshu, successfully completed its inaugural journey under the Jalvahak scheme, transporting 1,500 tonnes of cement from Kolkata to Pandu via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). This milestone showcases the efficiency and potential of the scheduled freight service introduced by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Jalvahak scheme, which is designed to incentivize long-haul cargo movement on inland waterways, focuses on National Waterways 1 (river Ganga), National Waterways 2 (river Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (river Barak). The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service operates vessels on the Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi–Patna–Kolkata stretch of NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu on NW 2 via IBPR, ensuring consistent and timely cargo delivery.
“The MV Trishul’s journey marks a significant step forward for India’s inland waterways and the Jalvahak scheme. It demonstrates the immense potential of waterways as an economical, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation mode, easing congestion on railways and roadways. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the government is committed to revolutionizing logistics through sustainable solutions. The Jalvahak scheme offers a cost-effective, reliable alternative for long-haul cargo movement,” Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated while addressing the successful completion of the maiden voyage.
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“The launch of regular scheduled freight services ensures timely delivery of cargo, fostering confidence among stakeholders about the readiness of national waterways. By empowering vessel operators and providing businesses with a sustainable logistics option, this initiative is a meaningful step towards the Prime Minister’s vision of transformation through transportation as India sails towards becoming a developed nation,” he further said.
The cargo promotion scheme under Jalvahak incentivizes cargo owners to use inland waterways for distances exceeding 300 kilometres. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL), a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL). The scheme aims to lower logistics costs, reduce congestion on roads and railways, and promote a sustainable mode of transportation, driving India’s vision for an efficient and green logistics ecosystem.
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