You might soon avail water taxis on Yamuna in Delhi
What's the story
The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) has proposed an innovative Yamuna water taxi project in Delhi. The plan includes tentative stations at strategic locations like Madanpur Khadar, Nizamuddin, Film City, and ITO. The initiative was discussed during a meeting of transport secretaries from NCR states. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) suggested that initially 20-25 passenger boats could be used for inland water transport on Yamuna river.
Project requirements
IWAI highlights prerequisites for water transport
A senior official from IWAI noted that a water level of 1-1.2 meters is required for water transport. The official stressed on the need to develop the Yamuna riverfront in Delhi not only for water transport but also for tourism and recreational purposes. Before moving ahead with feasibility studies, a hydrography survey and traffic study are needed.
Information exchange
IWAI to share project details with NCRPB
The NCRPB has asked IWAI to furnish details of the works, feasibility studies, as well as detailed project reports (DPRs) of the water taxi project. The board has also asked IWAI to prepare a proposal for the Yamuna initiative in the next two weeks. This comes as part of a larger effort by the newly formed BJP government in Delhi, which made rejuvenation of Yamuna a key campaign promise.
Infrastructure development
Government's plan to establish jetties on Yamuna
Ahead of the Delhi assembly polls, the government had announced plans to set up two jetties on the Yamuna river in Delhi. This is part of a larger plan to include Yamuna in the list of national waterways. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena have held detailed discussions on this plan, including possible use of these jetties for tourism.