The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat, Bihar, has received the coveted five-star SVAGRIHA rating from the GRIHA Council for its outstanding energy and waste management initiatives. This milestone strengthens India’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure growth under the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).
The SVAGRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) rating, a joint enterprise of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), recognizes green building practices that prioritize environmental sustainability. The honor was conferred to IWAI representatives, including Shri Arvind Kumar, Director of JMVP, and project partners from Sanjay Construction Company.
The Kalughat terminal, constructed at a cost of ₹82.48 crore with a handling capacity of 77,000 TEUs per year, has executed advanced sustainable practices. These include the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient systems, and robust waste management techniques. Highlights of the project include:
- Sustainable Materials: Use of recyclable fibers, glass, paints, and sanitary fixtures during construction.
- Energy Optimization: Incorporation of renewable energy sources to lower operational carbon footprint.
- Water Management: Installation of a sewage treatment plant to enable water recycling.
- Waste Recycling: Repurposing construction and demolition waste during the installation stage.
These efforts align with the GRIHA Council’s criteria for sustainable site planning, resource optimization, and solid waste management.
Strategically located on National Waterway 1 (River Ganga), the IMT Kalughat is a critical logistics hub for North Bihar and Nepal. The terminal is expected to facilitate cargo transportation, strengthening economic activities in the region and supporting India’s vision for integrated waterway connectivity under the “Viksit Bharat” scheme.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and direction from Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI continues to focus on constructing climate-resilient inland waterway infrastructure. IMT Kalughat stands as a testament to this vision, showing how sustainable practices can push economic and environmental progress.
With its five-star rating, the Kalughat terminal not only improves cargo capacity but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects aspiring for green and inclusive development. (PR)