Solar-Powered Boats to Sail on the Yamuna Soon Proposed Jetty Locations Finalized
2025.05.28 (Vrindavan Today News): The Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh is leaving no stone unturned to boost tourism in Braj region. In a significant initiative aimed at boosting heritage tourism and sustainable water transport in Braj, the Yamuna waterway development plan is set to materialize soon. The pilgrimage cities of Gokul and Vrindavan will be connected by the Yamuna waterways. By the end of May, jetty constructions along the Yamuna are expected to be completed. The Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have already initiated the tendering process.
Spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP), the project marks a historic step in developing Mathura’s inland waterways. An online meeting, chaired by Vijay Kumar, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, was recently held to review the progress. The meeting was attended by Shri Shailjakant Misra (Vice Chairman, UPBTVP), Shyam Bahadur Singh (CEO, UPBTVP), the Joint Secretary (Uttar Pradesh Waterways Department), UPBTVP’s Environmental expert Mukesh Kumar, and senior officials from the Municipal Corporation, Irrigation Department, and other concerned agencies.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to assess the project’s current status and finalize implementation strategies. According to the plan, the 22-kilometer-long waterway from Gokul to Vrindavan will feature 11 jetties. In the first phase, eight jetties will be developed—three in Mathura and five in Vrindavan.
Solar and Battery-Operated Boats to Ensure Eco-Friendly Transport
During the session, Vijay Kumar informed that construction of the jetties has commenced and that several of them will be completed by the end of May. Initially, larger vessels were considered for deployment; however, due to size constraints and distance challenges, the authorities have decided to utilize lightweight fiber boats instead. A recurring concern noted was the insufficient water depth at multiple points along the route. To address this, a joint committee has been formed to conduct detailed surveys.
Additionally, the registration of boats will be managed through the ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Office). Importantly, local boatmen will also have access to the newly developed jetties, ensuring that the project not only enhances tourism but also supports the local economy.
Vice Chairman Shri Shailjakant Misra emphasized the importance of using only solar-powered and battery-operated boats, explicitly discouraging the use of diesel or petrol, in line with environmental sustainability goals.
Key Project Highlights: Distance Covered: 22 kilometers from Vasudev Vatika in Gokul to Jugal Kishore Ghat in Vrindavan. Jetty Development: 8 jetties to be constructed in the first phase (3 in Mathura, 5 in Vrindavan). Project Cost: The estimated cost is approximately ₹28 crore (around 3.35 million USD). Joint Collaboration: The project is a collaborative effort between the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (VIPRA) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
Addressing Technical Challenges
A significant operational hurdle discussed was the pontoon bridges near several ghats, particularly impacting boat movement toward Vrindavan. To resolve this, a technical committee has been tasked with finding appropriate solutions.
Shyam Bahadur Singh, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Development Authority, shared that tenders have already been floated to develop public amenities around the jetties. These facilities are intended not only to enhance visitor experience but also to ensure the utility of the jetties for both tourists and local communities.
The Yamuna waterway project, with its eco-friendly solar boat initiative, is poised to become a landmark development, combining cultural heritage, tourism, and sustainability in one seamless journey across the divine landscapes of Braj.
