Uttar Pradesh Unveils Electric Boat Tours to Boost Religious Tourism in Ayodhya and Varanasi

The Uttar Pradesh government is expanding adventure water activities and boat rides in Ayodhya and Varanasi using electric boats. Four specialized electric boats will be introduced, including a 50-seater and two 30-seater options, along with facilities for docking and charging. The initiative aims to enhance religious tourism.

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to launch a series of electricity-powered adventure water activities and boat ride facilities in Ayodhya and Varanasi. This move is intended to bolster religious tourism in these historically and spiritually significant cities.

According to an official statement, the government will soon introduce four specialized electric boats in both cities. In Ayodhya, one air-conditioned electric boat with a 50-seat capacity and two electric boats with 30-seat capacities will operate from Nayaghat on the Saryu River. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, a 50-seater air-conditioned electric boat will soon be available for tourists at Ravidas Ghat on the Ganga River.

The state-of-the-art air-conditioned boats will feature a steel catamaran hull, whereas the non-air-conditioned versions will have an FRP catamaran hull. The infrastructure for docking and charging these boats will be managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. Operations will follow strict guidelines set by the Tourism department, the Inland Vessel Act, and international standards, under a 10-year lease agreement adhering to the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India's guidelines.

(With inputs from agencies.)