Srinagar, Sep 3: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the progress of introducing inland water transport on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers and the rollout of electric mobility infrastructure under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Vice Chairman Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), representatives of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and other concerned officers.
Reviewing the progress, Dulloo called for time-bound completion of all enabling infrastructure, including terminals, access facilities, navigation arrangements and removal of obstructions, so that water transport projects are operationalised within the stipulated timelines.
The meeting was informed that inland water transport facilities are being developed along identified stretches of the Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84).
On the Jhelum, a 106-km cruise corridor from Sangam to Gund Prang has been identified. Land has been identified for 11 terminal locations at strategic points, including Marham (Sangam), Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.
Removal of local coffer dams remains a key requirement for uninterrupted navigation. The PWD has been tasked with removing 52 such structures, of which 18 have already been cleared.
On the Chenab, a 9-km stretch between Reasi and Akhnoor Fort has been identified for cruise-based water transport. A 15-km stretch of the Ravi at Sohar in Jammu is also being developed for the purpose.
The meeting was further informed that IWAI has awarded the tender for procurement of 10 specially designed hybrid eco-vessels, each with a passenger capacity of 20 persons. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by March 2027.
50 EV Charging Sites Identified
The Chief Secretary also reviewed implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, under which J&K is working to establish a robust public electric vehicle charging network.
Officials informed the meeting that 50 locations across the Union Territory have been identified and found technically feasible for public EV charging stations. These include 17 sites in Jammu, five in Kathua, four in Rajouri, three in Udhampur, four in Doda, two each in Ramban and Reasi, and one in Samba.
In Kashmir, four sites have been identified in Srinagar, three in Baramulla and one each in Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Kupwara.
The administration is also pursuing procurement of 200 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract model. The proposal has received in-principle approval from the Government of India and is being taken forward through Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL).
Dulloo directed departments and agencies to coordinate closely to ensure timely availability of charging infrastructure, electrical connectivity, land and other supporting facilities ahead of the deployment of the electric buses.
He emphasised that both initiatives should complement J&K’s tourism, urban mobility and environmental sustainability goals, calling for strict timelines, continuous monitoring and coordinated implementation to deliver visible, sustainable and people-centric transport solutions.