‘Jal Marg Vikas Project’ for enhanced navigation approved

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by PM Narendra Modi has given its approval for implementation of the ‘Jal Marg Vikas Project’ (JMVP) for capacity augmentation of navigation on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) at a cost of Rs 5,369.18 crore with the technical assistance and investment support of the World Bank.  The Project is expected to be completed by March, 2023.

It will provide an alternative mode of transport that will be environment friendly and cost effective. The project will contribute in bringing down the logistics cost in the country. It would lead to mammoth infrastructure development like multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, Roll on – Roll off (Ro-Ro) facilities, ferry services, navigation aids besides huge employment generation. NW-1 development & operations will lead to direct employment generation to the tune of 46,000 and indirect employment of 84,000 will be generated by vessel construction industry, according to a PIB release.

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal will be covered under the project. The major districts to be covered are :  Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Buxar, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj, Musrhidabad, Pakur, Hoogly, and Kolkata.