Divisional Commissioner Reviews Jhelum Water Transport Project; Directs Removal of Bottlenecks

SRINAGAR, February 02, 2026: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, alongside Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa, chaired a high-level meeting today to expedite the Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) water transport project on the River Jhelum.

The meeting focused on identifying and removing critical infrastructure bottlenecks to ensure the smooth implementation of this ambitious transit initiative.

During a detailed presentation by the IWAI Coordinator, the chair was briefed on site-specific challenges, leading the Divisional Commissioner to direct the immediate possession of land at two identified locations and the initiation of joint inspections to finalize a third site for project development.

To streamline the execution process, the Divisional Commissioner instructed IWAI to collaborate with the Chief Engineer of KPDCL to resolve issues concerning High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) power lines by preparing necessary removal estimates. Furthermore, the PWD was directed to facilitate clearances and assess the removal of cofferdams beneath bridges that currently impede the waterway.

Appointing RTO Kashmir as the nodal officer for inter-departmental coordination, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the urgency of the project, mandating that a consolidated report detailing all required interventions across Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal be submitted within one week.