Uttar Pradesh Formulates New Policy for Waterways as Cabinet Approves Inland Vessels Rules 2026 The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Inland Vessels Rules 2026 to regulate boat and ship operations across the state. The policy mandates registration and introduces insurance coverage for local boatmen and passengers. Water transport across Uttar Pradesh is set to become significantly safer, more structured, and fully regulated following the state cabinet's approval of the 'Uttar Pradesh Inland Vessels Rules 2026'. State Minister for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh briefed the press regarding the cabinet's historic determination. He pointed out that prior to this decision, no codified legal guidelines or regulatory mechanisms existed for managing the operations of boats, motorized steamers, and commercial vessels across the state's rivers and water bodies. Classification into Mechanical and Non-Mechanical Categories With the formal authorization of the Inland Vessels Rules 2026, a comprehensive two-tier framework will govern all watercraft across the state. Under this policy, every water-based vehicle will be classified into one of two primary operating categories. The mechanical category encompasses all motor-driven watercraft, including diesel-powered steamers, speedboats, and large commercial ships. Conversely, the non-mechanical category covers all traditional, manually operated boats that rely on oars and physical labor by local boatmen. Mandatory Registration and Rs 50 Fee for Manual Boats Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh explained that while basic structural records were maintained for large commercial vessels in the past, no state-wide registry or authentic listing existed for traditional non-mechanical boats. To eliminate this data gap, the government has mandated compulsory registration for all manual craft. To ensure the financial burden on traditional boatmen remains minimal, the registration fee has been capped at just Rs 50. This nominal fee will enable the transport department to compile a complete official database of traditional boats and their operators. Three-Tier Structure for Mechanical Watercraft To effectively regulate engine-powered steamers and heavier vessels, the mechanical category has been subdivided into three distinct capacity tiers, each assigned a specific registration fee structure. The first tier governs smaller mechanical vessels with a load carrying capacity between 0 and 3 tons. The second tier applies to medium vessels designed to carry 5 to 10 passengers along with up to 0.5 tons of cargo. The third tier covers major vessels capable of carrying more than 10 passengers or handling cargo weights exceeding 5 tons. Insurance Cover and Administrative Responsibilities A central highlight of the new regulatory policy is the inclusion of mandatory insurance provisions for both boatmen and passengers. While administrative records for boatmen were available in Varanasi district, other key river districts such as Mathura lacked any consolidated data. The new framework rectifies this by extending insurance benefits to individuals working in the unorganized river transport sector. Implementation duties have been formally assigned to Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTO Administration) at the district level and Revenue Inspectors (RI) at the tehsil level. Further administrative announcements affirm the government's push for standardized safety standards across all inland waterways. What this means for you This policy will make water transport safer and more regulated across Uttar Pradesh, directly benefiting both daily commuters and visiting tourists. • Across India: Pilgrims and tourists visiting cultural and religious hubs in Uttar Pradesh will experience standardized boat safety standards. The inclusion of mandatory insurance coverage ensures financial security in case of unforeseen mishaps during river travel. • In Uttar Pradesh: Traditional local boatmen can now register their boats for a nominal fee of Rs 50 to gain official recognition. Access to formal insurance coverage will safeguard their livelihoods and provide welfare benefits. • For Passengers: Strict limits on capacity and cargo weight for steamers will curb illegal overcrowding. Defined safety norms for mechanical vessels will significantly lower the risk of river accidents. • Administrative Impact: Designated enforcement duties given to ARTOs and Revenue Inspectors will streamline local accountability. This structured oversight will eliminate unregistered boat operations across all state districts. Why this happened Uttar Pradesh lacked a codified legal framework to govern boat and vessel operations across its expansive river systems. The cabinet introduced these rules to address missing records and enhance public safety on waterways. • Absence of Statutory Rules: Until this approval, Uttar Pradesh had no comprehensive rules defining watercraft operations. The unregulated movement of boats had created persistent safety and operational concerns. • Lack of Official Data: Except for Varanasi, major river districts like Mathura had no official registry of local boatmen and traditional craft. Establishing an updated database was essential for effective governance. • Overcrowding and Accident Risks: Unchecked passenger loads on commercial steamers frequently heightened the risk of river drownings and accidents. Categorizing vessels by tonnage and capacity became crucial to enforce passenger limits. • Need for Social Security: Boatmen working in the unorganized river transport sector lacked formal insurance coverage. Introducing statutory insurance safeguards both operators and passengers against unexpected tragedies. Questions & Answers 1. What are the Uttar Pradesh Inland Vessels Rules 2026? It is a newly approved cabinet policy that establishes registration, classification, and safety regulations for all boats and ships operating on UP waterways. 2. How much is the registration fee for traditional non-mechanical boats? The registration fee for traditional non-mechanical boats operated by local boatmen has been fixed at a nominal amount of Rs 50. 3. How are mechanical vessels categorized under the new rules? Mechanical vessels are divided into three tiers based on capacity: 0 to 3 tons, 5 to 10 passengers with 0.5 tons cargo, and over 10 passengers or 5 tons cargo. 4. Which authorities will oversee the implementation of these rules? Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTO Administration) at the district level and Revenue Inspectors (RI) at the tehsil level will manage enforcement. 5. Is there an insurance provision for boatmen and passengers? Yes, the policy proposes mandatory insurance coverage and protective measures for unorganized boatmen as well as river passengers. https://trendkia.com/en/national/uttar-pradesh-men-jalamargon-ke-lie-bani-nai-niti-mntrimndala-ne-antardeshiya-jalayana-niyamavali-2026-ko-di-svikriti-52326 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.