Miscellaneous Schemes/ Initiatives under Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways

Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)

• Aim: To increase the navigation capacity of the Haldia–Varanasi stretch of National Waterway-1 (Ganga).
• Key Infrastructure Components:
  • Multimodal Terminals: Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia.
  • Ro-Ro Terminals: For Roll-on/Roll-off cargo movement.
  • Navigational Lock at Farakka: To manage water levels for smooth passage.
  • Channel Marking Systems: Ensuring safe navigation routes.
  • Vessel Repair & Maintenance facilities.
• Use of Technology:
  • River Information System (RIS): An IT-based system that optimizes waterborne transport, much like air-traffic control but for rivers.
• Support: Receives technical and financial assistance from the World Bank.

👉 In simple words: JMVP transforms the Ganga into a modern water highway, reducing logistics costs, creating employment, and offering an eco-friendly alternative to road/rail transport.

Scheme for Promotion of Flagging of Merchant Ships in India

• What is Flagging?
  • A ship is allowed to fly a country’s flag only after being registered in that country.
  • This gives it legal recognition, safety assurance, and protection under that nation’s laws.
• The Scheme:
  • Provides subsidy support for 5 years to Indian shipping companies participating in global tenders by Ministries and CPSEs.
  • Encourages more ships to be registered under the Indian flag, strengthening the Indian merchant fleet.

👉 Think of it as India saying: “If you register your ship here, we will help you financially and in return, you strengthen our maritime sovereignty and security.”

National Logistics Portal – Marine (NLPM)

• A single-window digital platform for the maritime sector.
• Purpose: To provide end-to-end logistics solutions for exporters, importers, and service providers.
• Features:
  • Enables seamless exchange of documents and faster transactions.
  • Caters to stakeholders across G2G (Government to Government), G2B (Government to Business), and B2B (Business to Business) models.
  • Can integrate with Port Operating Systems, Terminal Operating Systems, and other stakeholders’ platforms.
• Mobile App: Sagar Setu App launched for easy access to services.

👉 In simple terms: NLPM is like the DigiLocker + UPI of the maritime world — reducing paperwork, improving efficiency, and making India’s logistics globally competitive.

Cruise Bharat Mission

• Purpose: To boost cruise tourism in India by doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029.
• Targeted Benefits:
  • 4 lakh new jobs.
  • 1.5 million river cruise passengers using about 5,000 km of waterways.
• Mission Phases:
  • Phase 1 (2024–25): Studies, regional alliances, modernization of cruise terminals.
  • Phase 2 (2025–27): Development of new terminals, marinas, and cruise destinations.
  • Phase 3 (2027–29): Regional integration, creating cruise circuits and subcontinent-level networks.
• Key Segments: Ocean & harbour cruises, river & inland cruises, and island cruises.

👉 Simply put: Cruise Bharat Mission seeks to make India the next global hotspot for cruise tourism, much like Europe’s Mediterranean or Southeast Asia’s river cruises.

Green Tug Transition Program

• Part of: Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Objective: To cut port vessel emissions by 30% by 2030.
• What are Tugs? Specialized boats that help large ships enter or exit ports.
• Plan: Transition India’s harbour tug fleet from diesel to greener alternatives.
• Timeline: Implemented in five phases (2024–2040).
• Nodal Agency: National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS).
• Policy Tagline: It is a key initiative under “Panch Karma Sankalp”.

👉 In easy words: Green Tug Program is India’s move to make its ports cleaner and future-ready, cutting carbon emissions significantly.

Jalvahak Scheme

• Purpose: To promote sustainable and cost-effective water transport.
• Financial Incentives: Up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs of cargo transport through selected National Waterways.
• Coverage:
  • NW-1: Ganga River
  • NW-2: Brahmaputra River
  • NW-16: Barak River (via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route)
• Tenure: Initially valid for 3 years.
• Implementing Agencies:
  • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
  • Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL)

👉 In essence: Jalvahak makes river transport cheaper and more attractive for businesses, reducing road congestion and pollution.