Varanasi – In a significant move to enhance the experience of devotees visiting the Ganga in Kashi, the Uttar Pradesh government has proposed the installation of special floating jetties at multiple ghats, allowing pilgrims to change clothes and perform rituals in one convenient location.
The innovative hexagonal multi-purpose jetties will combine changing rooms, worship areas, and docking facilities for boats. Each jetty will include four changing rooms, dedicated spaces for performing rituals, and shaded areas to ensure comfort. Designed to blend with the architectural aesthetics of the ghats, the jetties aim to minimize any impact on the river’s flow while maintaining safety and convenience for pilgrims.
A pilot project on eight ghats demonstrated the utility of floating changing rooms, paving the way for the proposed four new jetties at different ghats. The jetties’ hexagonal design optimizes space for boat docking while keeping disruption to the river’s natural current minimal. The double-layer HDPE pontoon system ensures stability, and double railings enhance safety. Devotees can easily board and alight from boats directly from the jetties.
Smart City Project Manager Amarendra Tiwari said the project will commence once the water level of the Ganga drops sufficiently. Each 73-square-meter jetty is expected to cost around INR 1.87 crore and represents a unique blend of modern technology and traditional worship practices, ensuring pilgrims have a safe, organized, and respectful space for bathing and prayer.
