The Uttar Pradesh transport department has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce a water Metro service on the Gomti river in Lucknow. This initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and providing a novel public transport option, marks a significant step towards developing riverine mobility in the state.
Feasibility Study Presented to Minister
The project moved forward on Friday when Sanjay Kumar, the director of Kochi Metro, formally presented the technical feasibility study report to Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh. The study, which explores the operational viability of water Metros, was prepared for three key locations across Uttar Pradesh.
While immediate focus is on launching the service on the Gomti in Lucknow, the state government has a broader vision. The successful implementation in the capital will pave the way for extending the water Metro network to other major water bodies. The identified future locations include the Yamuna river between Agra and Mathura, Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur, Surha Tal in Ballia, and the Ganga river.
Tourism and Economic Benefits Envisioned
Minister Dayashankar Singh emphasized the dual advantage of the project. He stated that it will be beneficial from both a tourism and an economic perspective. Beyond serving as an alternative mode of transport, the development of water-based infrastructure is expected to create new avenues for public recreation and leisure activities along the riverfronts.
The minister outlined the comprehensive planning involved. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared after studying a wide array of critical systems. This includes:
- Integrated traffic management and passenger counting systems
- Environmental arrangements and social impact studies
- Design of terminals, jetties, and road connectivity
- Automatic fare collection and electrical infrastructure
- Boat chargers, fire protection systems, and HVAC
Next Steps and Project Timeline
The implementation roadmap is now clear. The first concrete step will be the installation of necessary navigational aids in the river. Following this, the government will determine the project's estimated cost. Once the financial blueprint is ready, tenders for various works will be invited from interested contractors and agencies.
Minister Singh has instructed departmental officials to expedite all necessary actions related to the project. A key immediate task is to provide details of the estimated expenditure so that appropriate budget allocations can be arranged from the government, ensuring the project does not face financial delays.
The move to develop water Metros signifies Uttar Pradesh's commitment to leveraging its natural waterways for sustainable urban mobility and economic growth, potentially transforming city commutes and tourist experiences.
