Lucknow  - Stressing that waterways transport will be expanded in the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently said an inland waterways authority would be set up in the State for the purpose.

The Chief Minister discussed the development of waterways in the state at a high-level meeting and also gave necessary directions regarding the setting up of Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority, an official release issued here said.

The expansion of waterways transport in Uttar Pradesh is progressing rapidly and the National Waterway from Prayagraj to Haldia is operational, Adityanath said. There are immense possibilities for both passenger and cargo transportation in inland waterways in the state, which needs to be expanded further, the chief minister said.

Adityanath said UP is a land of perennial rivers, with most rivers having sufficient water throughout the year. Referring to the legend of Princess Suriratna, the Chief Minister said UP has a rich tradition of water transport.

The formation of the inland waterways authority in the state should study the functioning of the National Waterway Authority and similar systems in other states and present relevant proposals, he said.

The authority will function as a nodal authority coordinating with the Indian Inland Waterways Authority and it will regulate all activities related to it, the CM said.

The Transport Commissioner of the state should be designated as the CEO of the authority and officials from departments related to finance, culture, irrigation, and forestry, among others, should be included as members, he said.