Year-round boat ops planned for Sangam to boost tourism

Prayagraj: Buoyed by the huge turnout of devotees during the Maha Kumbh and the continuous flow of visitors to Sangam, authorities are considering the proposal of operating motorboats and barges alongside traditional boats at Sangam throughout the year. Applications have also been sought from operators for barges, and the tender process for motorboats will commence soon.The decision to approve the proposal is significant as, even after the Maha Kumbh, the influx of devotees and tourists to Sangam continues. With thousands of devotees arriving daily, Sangam has been included among the major religious tourist destinations since Kumbh 2019. In light of this, a plan has been devised to provide facilities throughout the year in Sangam and its surrounding areas. Notably, as devotees visiting Sangam have a keen interest in travelling by boat, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has prepared to operate barges and motorboats alongside traditional boats.Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand stated that, in response to the demand from devotees, the process of operating barges has been initiated. Additionally, a survey is being conducted for motorboats, and applications will be sought soon after determining the route of the river. The Mela Adhikari mentioned that barges and motorboats will be operated from Boat Club, Kila Ghat, Arail Ghats, and other locations. Furthermore, among the large number of devotees and tourists visiting Sangam, many wish to stay until late at night. In response, a plan has been made to operate boats at night, similar to the practice in Varanasi. A letter has been sent to the Jal Police on behalf of the Mela Authority to initiate this process, which will begin after the completion of the survey and other procedures. Currently, boat operations are allowed only until 7 pm at Sangam. However, in many districts, including Varanasi, boat operations are permitted at night on the river Ganga. Following this model, preparations are underway to operate boats and motorboats at night in Sangam as well. For this, security arrangements will be made, and the route will be determined. Divers and lighting arrangements will also be deployed in the river to ensure safety.