With the proposed waterway route, places near the ISKCON Temple in Mayapur and other local sites also stand to benefit, according to the state tourism department officials. (Representational)The West Bengal government is planning to launch a hybrid electric ferry service between Kolkata’s Babughat and Mayapur, to boost religious and cultural tourism through the state’s inland waterways.Traveling along the proposed waterway between the two iconic sites, tourists will be able to visit major religious, historical and cultural sites situated along the banks of Ganga.The project would be implemented within the next 15 months, the state tourism minister said.The project is also expected to bring much needed relief from the city’s traffic woes, further worsened by potholes and waterlogging during monsoon rains. The inland waterways once used to be the primary mode of travel in Bengal, but with the expansion of road and rail networks, river transportation gradually declined. Now, with the state government advancing efforts to redevelop this historic waterway, tourists are expected to explore key sites along the river with ease.The proposed ferry routeThe hybrid ferry will connect several key sites on the Ganga river between Babughat and Mayapur.After departing from Babughat, the ferry will pass Kuti Ghat in Baranagar to cross over to Belur Math — the world-renowned headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.Directly opposite Belur Math, on the river’s eastern bank, sits the prominent spiritual shrine of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, famous as the place of spiritual practice (‘Sadhna Sthali’) of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and established by Rani Rashmoni.Story continues below this adFurther along the route, the tourists can visit the historic site associated with the stay of Nityananda Prabhu in Khardah, Barrackpore’s Annapurna Temple, Serampore’s historic palaces, Shyamnagar’s Mulajore Kali Temple, and Naihati’s Boro Maa Temple.Moving further along the journey through Tribeni, Kalna, and Nabadwip, the route reaches its final destination at Mayapur. Kalna’s 108 Shiva Temples and Nabadwip’s connection to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu further connects more spiritual sites to the proposed waterway route.Why traffic pangs on Mayapur routeMayapur, located in the Nadia district at the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) and Jalangi rivers, is the global spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a revered holy site for Gaudiya Vaishnavism, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.However, reaching Mayapur by road remains notoriously difficult due to geographical and infrastructural limitations. The journey, typically around 130 km from Kolkata, is heavily plagued by severe traffic bottlenecks along key routes like National Highway 12 (formerly NH 34) and the Kalyani Expressway.Story continues below this adCommuters frequently face narrow stretches, single-lane diversions, ongoing road construction, and heavy commercial truck traffic, turning what should be a three-hour drive into a tedious 4-to-6-hour ordeal.Furthermore, because Mayapur is surrounded by rivers, direct vehicular access is constrained; travelers driving via Nabadwip often have to rely on ferry crossings for their vehicles or navigate circuitous, poorly-maintained rural bypasses to cross the waterways.With the proposed waterway route, places near the ISKCON Temple in Mayapur and other local sites also stand to benefit, according to the state tourism department officials. Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:Kolkata