The long-awaited Yamuna waterway project connecting Gokul and Vrindavan is set to commence operations by the end of May.
Solar-powered boats, designed to ensure zero carbon emissions, will soon ferry pilgrims and tourists across the sacred river, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional transport methods. The initiative, spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India, envisions transforming a 22-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna into a vibrant corridor for green travel. Officials confirmed that construction activities for the waterway infrastructure are progressing steadily, with jetties and support facilities targeted for phased completion beginning this month.
In a recent project review meeting chaired by the Inland Waterways Authority of India’s senior leadership, it was decided that a total of 11 jetties would be established along the route. Three of these will be located in Mathura and five in Vrindavan under the project’s first phase. The remaining structures will be developed in subsequent phases as the waterway network expands. Responding to operational limitations caused by shallow sections along the Yamuna, officials confirmed that traditional large vessels have been ruled out. Instead, lightweight fibre boats equipped with solar and battery-powered systems will be deployed. This shift not only addresses navigational constraints but also aligns with broader goals to promote renewable energy adoption and curb riverine pollution.
Given the seasonal fluctuations in the Yamuna’s water levels, a joint technical committee has been mandated to conduct an exhaustive survey. The survey aims to map areas with critically low depths and recommend navigational solutions that maintain ecological balance while ensuring commuter safety. Authorities also announced that boat operations will be regulated under a stringent framework. Registrations for the solar boats will be overseen by the local Assistant Regional Transport Office, ensuring that only certified, environment-compliant vessels operate on the stretch.
The project’s planners have been keen to avoid the use of diesel or petrol-powered boats to safeguard the Yamuna’s fragile aquatic ecosystem. Senior officials reiterated the commitment to maintaining the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the river, underscoring the need for green transport solutions that integrate seamlessly with the region’s heritage. However, the project faces certain operational challenges. Existing pontoon bridges at Devraha Baba Ghat and Keshi Ghat currently obstruct smooth navigation. Technical experts have been commissioned to develop engineering solutions to address these bottlenecks without disrupting local access routes, which are vital for religious and daily commuting activities.
Public infrastructure enhancement forms another critical aspect of the project. Tenders have already been issued for the development of passenger amenities around the proposed jetties. This will include waiting areas, drinking water facilities, green landscaping, and sanitation services, aimed at creating a seamless and comfortable travel experience for all visitors. Local boat operators, traditionally reliant on manual or motorised rowboats, will be integrated into the new system. They will be given access to the jetties and offered training on operating solar-powered boats, thus safeguarding traditional livelihoods while upgrading them for the sustainable mobility era.
The total investment earmarked for the project stands at ₹28.35 crore. While the Inland Waterways Authority of India will oversee the core infrastructure, including jetty construction and navigation systems, the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority has been tasked with building surrounding access roads, beautification works, and community infrastructure development. Experts believe the project will significantly boost religious tourism in the region while advancing India’s commitment to green transport under its broader climate action goals. Given that Vrindavan and Gokul attract millions of pilgrims annually, a shift to solar-powered river transport could substantially reduce the carbon footprint associated with tourism-related mobility.
This initiative also positions Uttar Pradesh among the few Indian states proactively piloting waterway-based green transport solutions, following the central government’s push towards cleaner, more resilient urban infrastructures. Industry analysts have welcomed the move, noting that successful implementation of the Yamuna waterway model could pave the way for similar projects across other riverfront heritage cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
As the final preparations get underway, anticipation is building among locals and visitors alike. The sight of silent, solar boats gliding across the sacred Yamuna promises not just a new mode of travel, but a renewed sense of respect for the river that has been revered for millennia. If completed as envisioned, the Gokul-Vrindavan solar boat corridor will stand as a model for blending tradition with sustainability, showing how India’s spiritual heartlands can lead the way toward a greener future.
Yamuna Waterway Set for Solar Boat Launch by May End
