Freight service under Jalvahak completes maiden journey with MV Trishul

The MV Trishul, accompanied by dumb barges Ajay and Dikshu, successfully completed its first journey under the Jalvahak scheme. This service transported 1,500 tonnes of cement from Kolkata to Pandu via the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). The Jalvahak scheme encourages long-distance cargo movement through National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, covering rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the significance of this achievement. “The successful completion of MV Trishul’s maiden voyage marks a significant milestone for India’s inland waterways and the Jalvahak scheme,” he stated.

This initiative underscores the potential of waterways as an economical and eco-friendly transport mode. The Jalvahak cargo policy provides incentives for transporting long-haul cargo via these national waterways. The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service operates vessels on the Kolkata-Patna-Varanasi-Patna-Kolkata route on NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu on NW 2 through the IBPR. This service ensures timely delivery and builds stakeholder confidence in national waterways. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is committed to transforming logistics with sustainable solutions.

“The Jalvahak scheme incentivizes long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, offering businesses a cost-effective and reliable alternative,” Sonowal mentioned. This initiative aligns with the vision of enhancing transportation efficiency in India. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland and Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL), a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL). By empowering vessel operators and providing sustainable logistics options, this step supports India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

The launch of regular freight services under this scheme plays a crucial role in decongesting railways and roadways. It offers businesses a reliable alternative for cargo movement while promoting eco-friendly transportation methods. The government’s commitment to sustainable logistics solutions is evident through this initiative.

This development marks a significant step forward in India’s logistics sector. By leveraging waterways for transportation, it not only reduces congestion but also provides an efficient mode of cargo movement. The success of MV Trishul’s maiden voyage highlights the potential for further growth in this area.