Delhi’s battle against Yamuna pollution and flooding takes a luxurious turn as the government tenders two VIP boats worth Rs 6.2 crore for river patrols. Issued by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the March 12 notice details vessels tailored for monitoring, surveying, and VIP inspections.
Each 13-meter-long boat, with a 4.3-meter beam and 2.1-meter air draft, boasts capacity for 20 people in climate-controlled cabins. Think plush business-class recliners with wood accents, LED mood lighting, cup holders, and ergonomic armrests – fit for executives on water.
Practical features include a dedicated pantry, restroom, 400-liter freshwater tanks, and an open aft deck with sofas for 3-4 guests, perfect for photo-ops during official rounds. Twin 300 HP engines propel them to 25 knots, backed by large fuel reserves for extended operations on the 12-ton displacement hulls.
Advanced safety gear – GPS trackers, VHF comms, fire suppression, life-saving medical supplies, and deep-water echo sounders – ensures reliability. Vendors commit to two-year servicing. Come monsoons, these boats will scan for floods and aid rescues; during Chhath, they’ll oversee crowds.
Bidding closes March 19, procurement to follow in five months. Separately, a 40-seat cruise boat for Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur ferries sits ready, its debut postponed. Critics question the opulence, but proponents argue it’s essential for effective governance on Delhi’s vital waterway.