Watch: Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh inspects Yamuna river condition; plans to boost tourism with ferry & cruise services

NEW DELHI: Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh inspected the Yamuna River on Wednesday, traveling by boat from Boat Club to Chhath Ghat.During his visit, he engaged in discussions with officials while examining the river conditions.The Yamuna's cleanliness has remained a central commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the capital city, particularly as toxic foam continues to appear in various sections.This situation has led to ongoing disputes between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP during their campaigns.Under the BJP-led administration, on March 2, Delhi authorities unveiled initiatives to boost tourism and encourage eco-friendly water transport by launching ferry and cruise operations across a 7-8 km section of the Yamuna. The service is planned to run between Wazirabad Barrage (Sonia Vihar) and Jagatpur (ShTemple).The Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking operators for their pair of solar-powered cruise vessels. Interested companies must submit their comprehensive proposals, including pre-qualification documents, technical specifications and financial details, within the specified deadline."Request for Proposal (RFP) are invited for operation of cruise/ferry services in Yamuna River through e-procurement system of GNCTD for five years," read the Request for Proposal (RFP) by DTTDC for ferry/cruise operation on Delhi stretch of River Yamuna, National Waterway - 110.The cruise or ferry service will operate for 270 days a year, with necessary NOCs obtained from the Delhi Jal Board and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.DTTDC's RFP stated, "The request for proposals (RFP) is open to capable agencies. Interested bidders must submit their pre-qualification, Technical, and Financial Proposals in separate sealed envelopes. The proposals will be evaluated based on a set of criteria outlined in the RFP, and the successful bidder will be selected based on their highest revenue share offer payable to DTTDC."The selection of the operator shall be conducted via a two-phase bidding mechanism. DTTDC will award the contract to the bidder who proposes the highest revenue sharing percentage.