Himachal Pradesh Partners with IWAI to Transform Water Transport : Agnihotri
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today participated in the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) Meeting held in Kochi, Kerala. The high-level session was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. In a move symbolizing India’s growing emphasis on inland water transport, the meeting was conducted onboard the cruise vessel “Imperial Classic,” bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of the nation’s maritime connectivity.
During the proceedings, Union Minister Sonowal apprised the Council of several strategic initiatives being undertaken to develop inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. He placed a special focus on the creation of river cruise tourism and religious tourism circuits, highlighting the River Ravi (National Waterway–84) as a primary project. This waterway is currently being developed for river cruise tourism from Ranjit Sagar Dam to Chamera Dam at Gandhian, with the first jetty scheduled for completion by January 2026.
The Union Minister further informed the Council that River Sutlej (National Waterway–98) is also being explored for a significant religious and tourism circuit. This proposed route would connect Tatapani and the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh with the historic sites of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. A feasibility study for this project is currently in progress to ensure the integration of these spiritual hubs into the national waterway network.
A significant milestone was reached during the event with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. This agreement marks a major step toward the collaborative development of inland waterways within the State, ensuring that Himachal Pradesh has the formal backing to modernize its water-based infrastructure.
Addressing the Council, Mukesh Agnihotri strongly advocated for the accelerated development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that since most of the rivers fueling the nation’s inland waterway projects originate in the State, Himachal Pradesh remains a key stakeholder in the National Inland Waterways Framework. He urged the Government of India to extend enhanced technical and financial support, specifically requesting the provision of hydro-electric catamaran vessels. These vessels, he noted, are environmentally sustainable and ideally suited to the unique hill ecology of the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the State Government’s firm commitment to working closely with the Government of India and the IWAI. He underscored that the ultimate goal is to promote eco-friendly inland water transport and tourism development, which will in turn drive employment generation and sustainable regional growth for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
