Context: The Uttar Pradesh government and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹850 crore to develop Varanasi as a central hub for river transport, logistics, and green mobility.
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- The MoUs, signed during an event in Mumbai on October 28, aim to establish a modern and sustainable river transport network along the Ganga and other key rivers of Uttar Pradesh. The initiative focuses on integrating logistics, tourism, and eco-friendly transportation to promote connectivity and economic growth.
- “All the five projects will be funded by IWAI, while the state government will facilitate land and other clearances.
Key Projects Under the MoUs
- Two World-Class River Cruise Terminals in Varanasi:With an investment of ₹200 crore, two river cruise terminals will be developed in Varanasi to promote river tourism and enhance passenger facilities along the Prayagraj–Haldia National Waterway-1 route.
- Regional Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport:Another ₹200-crore project will establish a Regional Centre of Excellence in Varanasi on a 12-acre campus.
- The centre will focus on training, research, and innovation in inland water transport, offering courses for vessel crew members, pontoon bridge operators, and other river-based personnel.
- Electric Charging Infrastructure for Green Mobility: In a major push toward green mobility, a ₹100-crore project will set up shore-based electric charging stations for hybrid and electric vessels, ferries, and boats.
- These will be installed in Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, supporting India’s transition to low-emission and sustainable river transport.
- Ship Repair Facility in Varanasi: A ₹350-crore ship repair facility will also be developed in Varanasi to strengthen operational capability and reduce maintenance costs and downtime for vessels, which currently rely on repair centres in other states.
