Allahabad: Streamer and mini-cruise rides to be added attraction for devotees during Maha Kumbh

PRAYAGRAJ: Tourists and devotees coming to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025 would be able to enjoy streamer and mini-cruise rides.
For this, the Inland Waterways Authority of India has done the needed survey. The service will be operational from two points -- one from boat club to Sangam and second from Lavayan Kala (Naini side) on river Ganga to Sangam.
A two-floor jetty would also be constructed at boat club from where one can start the ride and rest at the floating restaurant.
At present, only VVIP’s coming to Sangam could avail steamer or motorboat service provided by the district administration.
The service would be launched from Magh Mela-2024 on a trial basis so that the administration could ascertain any shortcomings, if any, and rectify the same the before Maha Kumbh-2025.
These services would be a major attraction for the pilgrims and tourists arriving here from all over the world to be a part of the grand religious fair.
Confirming the development, officer in-charge of Inland Waterways Authority of India, Prayagraj, Ashok Kumar said the central government has already made funds of around Rs 14 crore available to the state tourism department in this regard. “Two jetties (structures that project from land out into water to allow boats/ships to dock along it) will be constructed for this. One would come up between the new and the old Yamuna Bridges near Prayagraj Boat Club while the other would come up at another at Arail or Lavayan Kala. Both the places would also be developed as picnic spots,” he added.
Kumar said the state tourism department has entrusted the task of constructing the jetties to central public works department (CPWD) and tenders have already been invited.
The jetties would have changing and waiting rooms besides toilets and a designated parking spot. Each the two would be 35-ft long and 8-ft wide allowing people to embark and disembark from a boat/steamer, officials said.
The plan is to earmark separate routes for both the steamer and the cruise services on the Ganga and the Yamuna, the official added.
Also, the Prayagraj Mela Authority also plans to start chopper services during the religious affair allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the colourful mega fair from the top. The authority is mulling over proposal wherein permanent helipads would be constructed at three places around the mela area, including one at boat club, one each at Arail side of Sangam and Jhunsi side of Ganga.