Amid the high pitch preparations for the January 22 consecration of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government is harnessing inland waterways to promote tourism in the religious town.
In fact, Ayodhya’s ‘Saryu model’ is being showcased after the recent launch of the first solar boat by UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath in the holy river, Saryu.
Besides, the process of deploying a fleet of clean energy (electric and solar) boats in inland waterways to-and-fro Ayodhya will start soon.
The UP government is looking to revive the spirit of ‘navya’ (new) Ayodhya by addressing environmental concerns, urban development and operating solar energy-based urban transportation.
In this regard, Ayodhya is being equipped with modern transportation including boats in Saryu river, which will establish it as a new major hub of inland waterways on the lines of Varanasi.
UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has launched the solar boat Service in Ayodhya, the first of its kind in terms of inland waterways in India.
Additionally, the operation of electric boats on Saryu will soon commence. Initially, two boats will be in serve on a regular basis, and later the fleet will be expanded.
Moreover, the Jatayu Cruise is operating in Ayodhya whereas the process of fortifying the barrage for maintaining an appropriate water level for its regular operation has been completed.
It has also cleared the way for the operation of the Water Metro, which will make it the first in North India after Kochi.