There is an exciting news for those traveling between Delhi and Noida. Now instead of the road, the Yamuna river can also be traveled. The NCR Planning Board has planned to run a water taxi in Yamuna, which will not only ease the journey, but will also promote water transport. Under this project, water taxi stations will be built from Madanpur Khadar to ITO, from where passengers will be able to reach their destination directly in a water taxi. Initially, taxis with 20-25 seats will be run, which can prove to be a great option to avoid traffic in Delhi-NCR.
In addition, this scheme is also considered a big step to promote tourism and help in cleaning the Yamuna. Now it remains to be seen how long this dream turns into reality!
Where to become water taxi stations,
NCR Planning Board has proposed to build a water taxi station at four major places in Delhi.
Madanpur Khadar
Film City, Noida
Nizamuddin
Through these stations, passengers will get smooth travel experience from one place to another through Yamuna. Under this service, the water taxi carrying 20-25 passengers will reach from one place to another.
How much will the water level and what will be challenges?
To realize this project, at least 1 to 1.2 meters of water level in Yamuna has to be maintained. In addition, it would be mandatory to develop a riverfront along the river and improve passenger facilities. According to an official, water quality, traffic and other essential aspects will be studied before starting a water taxi in Yamuna.
Water transport will increase due to partnership between Delhi government and Center
There is a continuous discussion between the Delhi government and the Inland Water Transport Department for the successful work of this scheme. If this project is successful, it will give a new direction to water transport in NCR. Apart from this, this initiative will also help in cleaning the Yamuna river.
Connection with Yamuna cleaning and election promises?
During the election campaign in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised to make Yamuna clean. Now this plan is being considered a concrete step towards that promise. The NCR Planning Board has sought DPR (Detailed Project Report) from IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India) so that this project can be implemented as soon as possible.
What will be the future of this project?
If everything goes on according to the plan, then people of Delhi-Noida can soon get water taxi facility. This project will not only make the journey easier, but will also promote tourism and business activities on the banks of Yamuna. Now it has to be seen how long this plan starts and Delhiites get new transport facilities.