Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday inaugurated the rooftop-mounted solar boat service developed by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).

This initiative marks the commencement of the first-of-its-kind electric solar technology-based service for inland waterways in the country, which would eventually prove to be a game changer.

On this occasion, he not only examined the technical aspects of operating the boat but also gathered information about the efforts underway in Ayodhya for the development of inland waterways. He initiated the operation of the boat by pressing a button. He took a ride on the Saryu River, inspecting the floating jetty and the floating boat-charging station along the riverbank.

The CM inaugurated the operation of the solar boat at the Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya by cutting the ribbon and pressing the navigation button on the boat. During this event, he navigated the boat on the Saryu River and also took a boat ride on the river at various ghats, interacting with devotees and learning about the facilities being developed by the inland waterways.

Amidst the boat ride, the Chief Minister greeted the sizable crowd of devotees at the ghats and acquired information concerning various aspects of the boat’s operation.

The CM inspected the operational e-boat charging station, which functions as a floating jetty, and Ganga-6 and acquired information about them. It is noteworthy that this floating jetty has been anchored in Ayodhya since 15 December and can serve as a berthing facility for up to 20 boats. Electric power charging plug points have also been developed on the floating jetty, allowing the charging and berthing process for e-boats navigating the Saryu River.

Yogi provided life jackets to 127 sailors. Under the Ram Bhoomi Swachh Bhoomi campaign, he also inaugurated the plastic deposit refund centre’s counter. This programme is being run in collaboration with the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation and a private sector company, ‘The Kabadiwala.com.’

According to UPEIDA, this boat has been assembled on the banks of the Saryu Ghat, and its components and other materials have been imported from various parts of the country. This boat is completely indigenous and has been built under the initiative ‘Make in India’. Currently, the construction of one boat has been completed, and plans for its regular operation are underway in the coming days.

The CM also inspected the Panchvati Ashray Sthal and two other tent cities in Ayodhya and took stock of the arrangements being made for devotees. He directed officials to ensure that devotees coming to these tent cities do not face any inconvenience.

The Yogi government constructed the Panchavati Ashray Sthal in view of the expected influx of devotees from all over the country after the upcoming consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Being run by the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, the Panchavati Ashray Sthal can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Pilgrims will not have to spend even a single rupee for staying and eating here.