200 new vessels to ply in Bengal's waterways

The West Bengal government will launch 200 new vessels for optimum use of the waterways in the state and to replace unsafe boats plied by private operators, Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari said here today.
The decision was taken also in a bid to provide eco-friendly transportation and reduce pollution, he said.
"Orders have already been placed for building of 200 vessels to HRBC (Hooghly River Bridge Commission) and Shalimar Works," the minister said.
The new vessels under the government's 'Jaladhara' scheme would be launched in 2018-19, he said.
The state has handed over 70 vessels and boats to various municipal and other cooperative bodies to run the waterways transport facilities, Adhikari said while handing over keys of six new vessels.

He said that the new vessels which will be offered to new and existing operators to replace ageing or unsafe mechanised boats plying in different parts of the state, will comply with a standard design prepared by experts.

Adhikari said the state government has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all vessels in the state's waterways and for jetties on river banks to ensure safety of people and property.
"A fund of Rs 75 crore has been released for implementation of the SOP and work is on to improve the conditions of jetties in the state," he said.
The 600 odd jetties in the state will be strengthened and safety equipment will be installed, state Principal Transport Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay said.

Giving away appointment letters to 100 youths who will work as assistants at various jetties, the minister said neither the jetty contractors comply with safety requirements, nor do passengers display patience to adhere to rules.
"It is to ensure compliance on the part of both the contractors, vessel operators and passengers that the youths have been appointed to the post of Jalasathis (water assistants)," Adhikari said.
More such appointments would be made and each large jetty will have three assistants, while the smaller ones will have two, Bandopadhyay said.