Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Scheduled Cargo Vessel Service from Kolkata to Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu

New Delhi, December 15: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, on Sunday introduced the Jalvahak policy, designed to promote the transportation of long-haul cargo through India’s national waterways. This initiative aims to encourage cargo movement via National Waterways 1 (river Ganga), National Waterways 2 (river Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (river Barak).

Sonowal also flagged off three cargo ships — MV AAI, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul, along with two dumb barges, Ajay and Dikhu, from the GR Jetty, marking the launch of the Fixed Scheduled Service of Cargo Vessels. These vessels will operate on a fixed schedule between Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu in Guwahati, traveling along National Waterways 1 and 2, including the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).

Joining Sonowal on this momentous occasion were Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, and Minister of State for Transportation (Independent Charge), Government of Uttar Pradesh, Daya Shankar Singh.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal highlighted the government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to unlock the potential of India’s extensive inland waterways network. He emphasized the benefits of using waterways for cargo transport, citing its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly nature, and efficiency compared to rail and road transport.

“The Jalvahak scheme incentivizes long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, creating a valuable opportunity for trade to shift towards waterways,” said Sonowal. “The regular scheduled service will ensure timely delivery and build trust among businesses, reinforcing the readiness of national waterways for efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible transportation.”ss

Sonowal also noted that the new service would contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India’s transportation sector, enhancing its economic growth, and making it a more developed nation.

In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Sonowal further explained that cargo transportation by waterways would be faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than road transport. He also mentioned that the Jalvahak scheme would offer a 35% transportation incentive for the next three years, urging stakeholders to take advantage of the program to improve India’s logistics sector.