Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate a floating restaurant equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and named ‘Float’ at Ramgarh Tal, a scenic location in Gorakhpur, on Thursday.

In the past seven years, the Yogi government has significantly transformed the Ramgarh Tal area, making it a popular destination known as the ‘Marine Drive’ of Gorakhpur. Already established as a premier tourist hotspot in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Ramgarh Tal offers attractions like the Lake Queen Cruise, and now visitors will be able to experience dining also at the floating restaurant.

The Ramgarh Tal area has emerged as a key centre for both tourism and culinary experiences, with several renowned hospitality brands already setting up in the vicinity. The introduction of ‘Float’ adds another exciting element to the region, enhancing its appeal as a top tourist destination.

The Yogi government has completely transformed Ramgarh Tal, once neglected and notorious for its filth, into a stunning tourist attraction in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi, Ramgarh Tal has emerged as a vibrant hub for tourism and employment, showcasing a new model of development.

Once an eyesore, this 1,700-acre natural lake used to serve as a dumping ground for the city’s waste, but is now a picturesque destination drawing visitors from far and wide, thanks to Chief Minister Yogi’s vision and the comprehensive development efforts undertaken.

Tourists now flock to Ramgarh Tal to enjoy the Lake Queen Cruise, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi on December 15, 2023, and they can now savour delectable meals at the newly constructed floating restaurant.

Notably, the construction of this floating restaurant began on August 17, 2022, and it is now ready to welcome guests. Designed with an attractive interior, this three-floor, 9,600 square-foot restaurant can accommodate between 100 to 150 visitors at a time.

According to Alok Aggarwal, Managing Director of the company operating ‘Float’, the restaurant boasts modern facilities, including a lift that connects all three floors. The ground floor houses a food court offering a variety of pure vegetarian dishes, while the first floor serves as a venue for musical parties.

The second floor features an open rooftop, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake while dining. The entire design ensures that visitors fully experience the beauty of Ramgarh Tal from every angle. The floating restaurant, built at a cost exceeding Rs 10 crore, meets the standards of the Indian Registrar of Shipping and is set to become a major highlight for tourists and locals alike.

The Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) is set to generate a monthly revenue of Rs 4.5 lakh from the newly constructed floating restaurant at Ramgarh Tal, with an agreement already signed with the operating company for 15 years. If the company’s performance meets expectations, the contract may be extended for an additional five years.

GDA Vice-Chairman Anand Vardhan announced that the formal inauguration ceremony will take place at the jetty of Ramgarh Tal. During the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also hand over allotment certificates to the beneficiaries of GDA’s prominent housing project, Greenwood Apartment, which is being developed near Ramgarh Tal.

The Greenwood Apartment project, spread across 5.20 acres, is a Rs 374.49 crore residential initiative that will offer 300 three-bedroom HIG flats and 179 four-bedroom HIG flats. The project aims to be completed by July 2027, contributing to the overall development of the Ramgarh Tal area as a modern and thriving residential and tourist hub.