The story so far
On 4 September, a Chief Secretary's review recorded a 9 km cruise stretch of the Chenab between Reasi and Akhnoor Fort, with hybrid vessels due in March 2027.
What's new
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewed the readiness of National Waterways in J&K on 8 October. IPRCL is building the onshore infrastructure, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is preparing the river and navigation side. The IWAI chairperson said three waterways are targeted for FY 2026-27:
- Jhelum (NW-49): 110 km, from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake.
- Chenab (NW-26): 53 km, Reasi to Akhnoor.
- Ravi (NW-84): 44 km, Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.
The report gives these as the waterways' lengths, which differ from the shorter cruise stretches in the earlier review, and does not explain the difference. For the Jhelum cruise it says a work order has been issued for 10 hybrid electric catamarans of 20 passengers each, costing ₹66.11 crore, with delivery targeted for March 2027.
Dulloo told Divisional Commissioners to review progress periodically and visit sites, called most issues "minor and resolvable", and asked the agencies to keep to timelines so the waterways are "ready for public use by next year". He said river cruises could become a major visitor attraction and an alternative mode of transport in congested areas.
Still not announced
The report gives no vessel details, fares, jetty locations or opening date for the Chenab or Ravi routes. Delivery of boats is not the same as an opening date.
Photo: file photo of the Chenab at Akhnoor (PP Yoonus, Wikimedia Commons).
Source: Northlines, 9 October 2026.
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