Uttar Pradesh is planning to operate solar-powered ferry rides in cities with large water bodies or riverfronts. The UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) and UP State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards the project.
The project aims to reduce pollution in tourist spots and promote water transport. It will also encourage fishermen to adopt solar energy to run their boats.
The first three solar-powered ferries will be introduced in Varanasi and Ayodhya within 15 days. The clean energy-based transport will cater to tourists during the holy month of Shravan (saavan maas).
Following this, such ferry services will be launched in other cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, and Bareilly.
“Proper accessibility, electric charging station, platform or a raised deck will be needed to initiate the service in a city, hence in the first phase we have shortlisted eight cities,” said a senior official.
Moreover, the state energy minister Mr. A.K Sharma announced that UP plans to introduce these services in 17 selected cities governed by Municipal Corporations. He also remarked that soon all municipal corporations of the state will have such clean transport.
The renewable energy department has initiated the process of purchasing 30-seater catamarans. The cost of each vehicle is estimated to be around ₹1.05 crores. They will be able to cover a distance of 60 km after charging.
UP government has introduced multiple initiatives to harness the state’s solar potential in recent years. In May, the state announced plans to develop Ayodhya as a solar city. Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) is planning to develop solar projects with a capacity of 7 MW in rural areas to help farmers earn additional income.
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Resource: The Hindustan Times
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