The scheduled freight service, launched under the 'Jalvahak' scheme, completed its maiden journey as MV Trishul, with dumb barges Ajay and Dikshu, transported 1,500 tonnes of cement from Kolkata to Pandu in Guwahati of
MV Trishul under Jalvahak scheme between Kolkata & Guwahati has successfully docked at Pandu, Assam!
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) January 7, 2025
Initiated by @IWAI_Shipmin under MoPSW, it highlights the vast potential of 🇮🇳's waterways in efficient & sustainable cargo transportation.@sarbanandsonwal @Shantanu_bjp pic.twitter.com/kRFxaRqKrq
The Jalvahak cargo scheme incentivises the movement of long-haul cargo via National Waterways 1 (Ganga) as well as for National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and National Waterways 16 ( Barak).
The fixed day scheduled sailing service ply vessels on the Kolkata-Patna-Varanasi-Patna-Kolkata stretch of NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu on NW 2 via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the successful completion of MV Trishul's maiden voyage saying it marks a major milestone for India's inland waterways and the Jalvahak scheme.
READ MORE: Govt bets big on inland water ways; launches ‘Jalvahak’ policy to transform cargo movement
He pointed out that this achievement highlights the tremendous potential of waterways as an economical, eco-friendly, and efficient mode of transportation, helping decongest railways and roadways.
The minister further said the government is committed to transforming logistics through sustainable solutions. The Jalvahak scheme offers businesses a cost-effective and reliable alternative, he added.
“By empowering vessel operators and providing businesses with a sustainable logistics option, this initiative is a meaningful step towards the prime minister's vision of transformation through transportation as India sails towards becoming a developed nation.”
