Uttar Pradesh holds 11 of India’s 111 designated inland waterways; immense potential for tourism and eco-friendly mobility
Lucknow: Stressing the need to revive traditional and eco-friendly modes of transportation, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh on Tuesday said that inland water transport can emerge as a strong, sustainable alternative to reduce pollution and support future mobility needs.
Addressing a meeting organised by the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority, the Minister said that out of 111 inland waterways identified across India, 11 are located in Uttar Pradesh, positioning the state as a major player in expanding water-based transport.
India’s Ancient Connection with Water Routes
Highlighting the historical significance of waterways, Singh said that ancient Indian cities developed along rivers because water routes were the primary mode of travel.
Citing a well-known account, he said, “Princess Sriratna of India travelled from Ayodhya to Korea via waterways, and the ship used for that journey is still preserved in a museum in Korea.”
He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh is blessed not only with major rivers but also rich water bodies such as Surahatal in Ballia and Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur, which hold enormous potential for tourism and recreational activities.
Eco-Friendly Transport for a Cleaner Future
The Minister firmly stated that water transport can play a crucial role in reducing pollution, adding that the environment faces a serious challenge due to rising emissions.
“Water transport produces negligible carbon emissions. It is one of the safest and most environment-friendly modes of travel,” Singh said.
He added that floating hotels, restaurants and leisure cruises could significantly boost tourism while generating employment and promoting local economies.
Call for Collective Effort and Innovation
Singh urged experts and stakeholders to approach the development of water transport with personal interest and innovative ideas.
“If we collectively work with dedication, Uttar Pradesh can achieve remarkable progress in the transport sector,” he noted.
UP Poised to Drive India’s Growth
Asserting that Uttar Pradesh could become the growth engine of India, Singh said the state has vast untapped opportunities.
He pointed out the successful development of inland waterways in Varanasi and Patna as strong examples of what can be achieved through focused planning and investment.
The meeting underscored that with strategic initiatives, modern infrastructure and environmental priorities, Uttar Pradesh is well-positioned to lead the nation in adopting clean and efficient water-based transport systems.
