LUCKNOW, Feb. 8 -- Construction work on a luxury cruise project on the Gomti river has formally begun, with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) setting a five-month deadline for completion. The 45-metre-long cruise, being developed by a Kolkata-based firm under a public-private partnership, will ferry up to 200 passengers between Hanuman Setu and Gomti Barrage.

Ticket prices have been tentatively fixed between Rs.250-300 per passenger. Food services such as lunch, dinner and buffet will be available at an additional cost.

LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar inspected the construction site at the riverfront near Hanuman Setu on Sunday and reviewed progress. He directed the executing agency to expedite construction while maintaining sa...