(a) whether the Government has any proposal to launch Yamuna water taxi project to ferry tourists and commuters from Wazirabad in North Delhi to Palla (Fatehpur Jat) and Delhi to Agra;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the said water Taxi is likely to be operational; and
(d) the total cost of the project along with the funds allocated and released in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b): Inland Waterways Authority of India, Ministry of Shipping has informed that Government is planning to launch Yamuna water taxi pilot project with an integrated plan for the development of inland waterways for tourism and passenger transportation in Delhi region only. The project involves fairway development, floating jetties and deployment of FRP vessels in Sonia Vihar, Jagatpur and Tronica City areas as in phase-I, upstream of Wazirabad area in Delhi region.
(c): Inland Waterways Authority of India has approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for clearance of the project from environmental & ecological aspects. After obtaining clearance from the NGT, Delhi Development Authority has to be approached for provision of suitable land for development of terminals. The operational timelines of the project depends on clearance from NGT and allotment of land by DDA.
(d): The total cost for the project has been estimated to be Rs.31.70 Crore by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
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