With an aim to project lucknow as a hot tourist destination, the Akhilesh Yadav government has plans to introduce international standard facilities at Gomti Riverfront and has proposed to rope in Bollywood stars for its publicity.
A senior official told The Pioneer that state government is set to introduce AC Water buses for the excursion on river Gomti. Besides there is a proposal to set up the Asia’s biggest musical fountain on its banks.
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is set to inaugurate a ‘ star walk’ of 500 meters at the Gomti River front shortly when he starts shooting in the city for his upcoming film ‘Jolly llB-2’ “Besides promoting ‘star walk ‘ Akshay Kumar will inaugurate a wall that will carry handprints of the Bollywood stars. We will ensure that we have hand prints of top Bollywood stars like Dilip Kumar” the official said.
Akshay is also expected to shoot his film at the river front, he said.
The official said that orders have been placed for purchase of two AC water buses. Besides it two mini-water buses and two rescue boats will also ply on river Gomti. The AC water buses, which have a capacity to ferry 70 people at a time, would ply between Kudiyaghat and Gomti Barrage covering the distance of around 10 km in just 75 minutes. The travelers would have the facilities of dining and other recreation on board the water bus which would also have music system, TV and comfortable lounge area.
However, the fare of these water buses, imported from Italy, would be expensive as each bus would cost around Rs 2.75 crore each. The speed of these water buses would be around 30 km per hour.
Besides the AC water buses, the state government will also purchase two 12 seated mini water bus to ferry the local people from Kudiyaghat to Gomti Barrage.
On the other hand a proposal to set up Asia’s biggest musical fountain at Gomti riverfront is underway. Sources said that the biggest musical fountain would be set up near the stadium, which is coming up at Gomti Nagar.
Gomti Riverfront, developed on the lines of Sabarmati riverfront, is an ambitious project of the Samajwadi party government for which the state was spending around Rs 3000 crore. The project is likely to be completed by this year end.
Under the project, beautification of Gomti River is being done from Pucca Pul to Saheed Path, a length of around 12 kms. Colourful fountains, amphitheatre and open market would be the main attraction of the river front. The permanent construction on the bridges on this 12 km long span is being illuminated with German lights.