Water taxis on Yamuna might soon become a reality in Delhi; stations likely at ITO, Film City

A proposal for Yamuna Water Taxi project has been made.

A proposal of water taxi project with an initial fleet of 20-25 passenger boats for inland water transport in Yamuna was made at a meeting of transport secretaries from NCR states.

The project was proposed with tentative stations located at Madanpur Khadar, Film City, Nizamuddin and ITO to the NCR Planning Board (NCRPB), according to a report by the Times of India.

The issue was discussed at length during the meeting. An official from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) informed during the meeting that 1-1.2 metre water level is required for water transport and the Yamuna river front in Delhi should not only be developed for water transport but also for tourism and recreational purposes.

The official added that before carrying out feasibility, a hydrography survey and traffic study needs to be carried out, according to TOI.

The proposal for the water taxi project was made amid mega push for rejuvenation of Yamuna by the newly formed BJP government in the national capital, which was also a major poll promise.

The NCRPB has asked the IWAI to share the details of works, feasibility studies and the detailed project reports (DPRs) with it. The Board has also asked the IWAI to prepare the proposal in two weeks and it will likely consider funding the water taxi project.