Munish Sood
Mandi
Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards strengthening inland water transport with the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The agreement was signed during the third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) held in Kochi, Kerala.
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri represented the state at the high-level meeting, which was chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. Reflecting the Centre’s growing emphasis on inland waterways, the meeting was uniquely hosted aboard the cruise vessel Imperial Classic, where key discussions focused on the future of river and maritime connectivity in India.
Focus on River Cruise and Religious Tourism
Addressing the council, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted several initiatives underway for the development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. He informed the council that the Ravi River (National Waterway–84) is being developed for river cruise tourism from the Ranjit Sagar Dam to the Chamera Dam in Chamba district. The first jetty under the project is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The Union Minister further stated that efforts are underway to explore the potential of the Sutlej River (National Waterway–98) as a major religious and tourism circuit. The proposed route aims to connect Tattapani and Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh with Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. A feasibility study for the project is currently in progress.
Framework for Modern Water Infrastructure
The MoU signed between IWAI and the Himachal Pradesh government provides a formal framework for the collaborative development of inland waterways in the state. The agreement is expected to facilitate modernization of water-based infrastructure, promote eco-friendly transport alternatives, and unlock new tourism opportunities.
Himachal a Key Stakeholder in National Waterways Network
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri strongly advocated for the accelerated development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh. He подчеркed that most of the rivers designated as national waterways originate from the state, making Himachal Pradesh a critical stakeholder in India’s inland waterways network.
Agnihotri urged the Union Government to enhance technical and financial support, particularly emphasizing the deployment of hydro-electric catamaran vessels. He noted that these vessels are environmentally sustainable and well-suited to the state’s fragile mountainous ecology.
Employment Generation and Sustainable Growth
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, the Deputy Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh would work closely with the Union Government and IWAI to promote environmentally responsible water transport and tourism development. He added that the initiative is expected to generate employment, strengthen local economies, and contribute to long-term sustainable development in the region
