The Yogi Adityanath government, dedicated to enhancing religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, is set to expand electric-based adventure water activities and boat ride facilities in Ayodhya and Varanasi. In a new step towards this goal, the government is focusing on completing the process of operating four specialised electric boats in both cities soon.
Under the scheme, one air-conditioned electric boat with a 50-seat capacity and two electric boats with 30-seat capacities each will be operated from Nayaghat on the Sarayu river in Ayodhya. In Varanasi, a 50-seater air-conditioned electric boat will soon be available for tourists at Ravidas Ghat on the Ganga river.
These electric boats will be state-of-the-art and equipped with a range of features. The air-conditioned boats will have a steel catamaran hull, while the non-air-conditioned boats will feature an FRP catamaran hull. Docking and charging facilities for these boats will be provided at the respective ghats.
The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) will manage the operation of these boats through agency determination and work allocation.
Initially, the boats will operate under a 10-year lease, adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the Tourism department, the Inland Vessel Act, and international standards. Additionally, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India’s guidelines will be followed to promote electric-based adventure water activities in Ayodhya and Varanasi.
