Uttar Pradesh

• 28 Jun 2023

Solar Boat to be operated to encourage Water Transport & Tourism in the state

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, an MoU was signed between the UP New & Renewable Energy Development Agency and the UP State Tourism Development Limited for the operation of solar-powered boats, under which Solar Boats will be operated in rivers and lakes to promote water transport & tourism in the state.

Key Points:

• It has been decided to operate solar boats in rivers and lakes located at 17 places in different municipal corporations.
• In the first phase, it will run at 5 religious places including Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. It will start from Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh is the first state to do such an experiment.
• 30 state-of-the-art solar boats will be started operating in the Saryu river of Ayodhya. The boat will enable devotees to visit the Saryu river and also promote water tourism. The boat, which costs around Rs 1 crore, will be able to seat 12 to 15 people at a time.
• After Ayodhya, solar boats will be started in Kashi, Mathura, Prayagraj and Garhmukteshwar. After this, in the next session, this facility will be provided in Chitrakoot, Agra, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur and other riverside cities.
• Initially, the solar boat will be operated by UP NEDA on an experimental basis for six months through a supplier firm. After this, regular operation of solar boats will be done by tourism development corporations through private entrepreneurs by selecting an experienced institution.