The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been awarded a five-star SVAGRIHA rating by the GRIHA Council for its Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat, Bihar. The terminal is part of several infrastructure projects funded under the World Bank-supported Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), aimed at enhancing the capacity of National Waterway 1 (River Ganga). The recognition was received by Shri Arvind Kumar, Director of JMVP, along with Shri Manish Tiwari, Specialist (Environmental Impact Assessment), and Shri J. J. Patel, Project Manager from Sanjay Construction Company, the contractor agency.
The SVAGRIHA rating, which stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA, promotes green buildings and sustainable practices as part of the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). This initiative is a collaboration between the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Delhi. The rating acknowledges the environmentally sustainable methods employed by IWAI in constructing essential Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure to facilitate cargo and passenger movement on National Waterway 1.
Kalughat IMT earned the prestigious five-star rating for its commitment to environmental sustainability, using recyclable materials such as fibre, recyclable glass, eco-friendly paint, and sanitary fixtures in the terminal’s construction. The terminal’s design adhered to energy and waste management standards outlined by GRIHA, covering aspects like sustainable site planning, building materials, energy optimization, water management, and solid waste management.
The Kalughat IMT incorporates a sewage treatment plant for water recycling and maximizes the use of renewable energy during its operations. Additionally, the terminal’s construction benefited from the efficient use of construction and demolition waste, highlighting its eco-conscious approach.
With an investment of ₹82.48 crore and a capacity to handle 77,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, the IMT Kalughat plays a vital role in the transportation of cargo to and from North Bihar. It also provides crucial connectivity to Nepal for EXIM (Export-Import) cargo.
This initiative aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. IWAI is committed to developing inclusive and climate-resilient IWT infrastructure that contributes to the country’s overall economic growth. IMT Kalughat stands as a prime example of this commitment.
