Jalvahak Scheme

17.12.2024

Jalvahak Scheme

Why in the news?                        

           Recently, the Union Government launched the 'Jalvahak' scheme to incentivise cargo movement via inland waterways.

About Jalvahak Scheme:

• It aims to unlock the trade potential of inland waterways while reducing logistics costs and decongesting road and rail networks.
• Implemented by: It is jointly implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL).

Features of the Scheme:

• Under the scheme, cargo owners transporting goods over distances exceeding 300 km via waterways will receive up to 35 per cent reimbursement on operating costs.
• The scheme will remain valid for three years and is designed to optimise supply chains for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trade bodies.
• It is a major step towards promoting sustainable and cost-effective transportation across National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak river).
• The Jalvahak scheme incentivises long-haul cargo transport and ensures timely delivery through regular freight services.
• This marks the beginning of the Fixed Scheduled Service of Cargo Vessels from Haldia for NW 1 and NW 2.
• The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service will ply vessels between the Kolkata - Patna - Varanasi - Patna - Kolkata stretch of NW 1 and between Kolkata and Pandu in Guwahati on NW 2 via Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).

                                                                 Source: Business Standard

With reference to the Jalvahak Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to unlock the trade potential of India’s inland waterways.

2. It will remain valid for three years and is designed to optimise supply chains for major shipping companies.

3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer C