Varuna inland transport system project gets a new lease of life

VARANASI: The ambitious project for water transportation in the Varuna river may soon become a reality as the administration has retrieved the project file gathering dust since 2011 and started a fresh survey and measurement of the river.
In 2011, an architecture company, Planners India Limited, had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for developing Varuna's inland water transport system stretching over 18 km around Varanasi for cargo and passenger transportation.The report was prepared for Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) with an estimated cost of Rs 171 crore.
"There were some shortcomings in the old DPR. We have undertaken a fresh exercise and the work estimate is likely to be ready in the next 8-10 days," DM Pranjal Yadav said on Friday. Even the riverbanks would be beautified to promote tourism, he added.
The survey and measurement work started on Thursday. VDA secretary Sarvagya Ram Mishra said, "A joint team of VDA, Varanasi Municipal Corporation, irrigation department and PWD officials had been set up constituted for the purpose."
However, Planners India Limited's Shyamlal Singh contested DM's claim on old DPR and claimed that at that time it was found feasible and even the Central government was keen on it. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) with the help of the Water and Power Consultancy Services (I) Limited (WAPCOS) had also prepared a techno-economic feasibility report. The project was prepared under a scheme of the Union ministry of shipping with a provision of 90% grant. The state had to manage the remaining 10% fund he said and alleged that the project was delayed at the state government level and in the meantime, shipping ministry's scheme too ended.
Project also encompasses beautification, landscaping and river navigation. It aims at decongesting roads and promoting inland water transport.
Following implementation of the project, passenger and cargo would be handled from suitable locations within the city and navigated to Ganga to avoid traffic congestion on roads. Since ghats of Varanasi are a major attraction for Indian and foreign tourists, inland water transportation in Varuna has a huge potential.
There is a potential for development of tourist facilities of short and long range using ordinary boats/passenger ferries to luxury tourist coaches.
Proposed inland water transportation would give an impetus to the overall tourist related industry, encourage river conservation and boost employment opportunity.