UP government plans water metro for holy cities

01 Feb 2024 CW Team

The state government has planned to promote water tourism in Uttar Pradesh by introducing a water metro in three significant cities: Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura. It was announced that devotees and tourists would have the opportunity to experience a divine feeling while traveling on the Saryu water metro in Ayodhya, the Ganga in Varanasi, and the flowing Yamuna river in Mathura.

Three water metros were constructed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) at Cochin Shipyard in Kerala. The state government's tourism department is responsible for operating these metros in the respective cities. The first water metro reached Varanasi, the second reached Ayodhya, and the third is set to be delivered to Mathura.

The IWAI has been given the responsibility for this task, considered a significant step towards water tourism. The Chief Minister, during a cabinet meeting in Ayodhya last year, announced the establishment of the Waterways Authority, and sincere efforts are being made to implement the ambitious plan, taking Ayodhya as a model.

The water metro in Ayodhya is expected to operate along the banks of the Saryu. In connection with this, the IWAI team is conducting a comprehensive survey of the river, and various initiatives are underway to bring river water to the ghats. Additionally, there is a proposal to operate a luxury solar Ramayan cruise on the Saryu River in the future, currently under construction at Guptarghat. The cruise is anticipated to be ready by Ram Navami and will be operated by Varanasi's Alaknanda Cruise Line.

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