Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has awarded a contract for technical support services for the Multi-Modal Terminal at Haldia and new Navigation Lock at Farakka.
• These projects are part of the JMVP on National Waterway -I (River Ganga), being implemented with technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5,369 crore.
• The objective of this is to ensure adherence to timelines and budgeted costs of the project and full compliance with the other stated guidelines.

About Jal Marg Vikas Project:

• Jal Marg Vikas project (JMVP) is a National Waterways development project announced during the budget 2015-16 by the Government of India for national integration and to make the most of navigational challenges to bring prosperity to the country.
• It is a non- water consumptive transport project formulated with the aim of reducing rail & road congestion, reducing the carbon footprint and minimal resource depletion.
• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) – the apex statutory body created in 1986 for the development and regulation of inland waterways has been designated as the Project Implementing Agency by the ministry of shipping.

Phase 1 of JMVP:
The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on NW-1 is being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World Bank. The Project entails development of fairway with 3 meters depth between Varanasi and Haldia (Phase-I) covering a distance of 1380 km at an estimated cost of Rs. 5369 crore with target for completion in six years. The following sub-projects of this Project have commenced:

• Construction of Phase – I (A) of the multimodal terminal at Varanasi at a cost of Rs. 169.70 crore.
• Construction of Phase – I of the multimodal terminal at Sahibganj at a cost of Rs. 280.90 crore.
• Construction of new navigation lock at Farakka at a cost of Rs. 359.19 crore.

By: Vishal