LUCKNOW, Aug. 13 -- The Gomti Riverfront is set for a tourism and leisure upgrade, with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) developing a 700-metre nature trail near Laxman Mela ground and preparing two tourist cruises on the river. The projects are aimed at creating new recreational options for residents and visitors and increasing activity along the riverfront, according to an official release issued by the development authority on Wednesday. The LDA has started work on the nature trail at an estimated cost of Rs.5 crore. Senior LDA officials inspected the site on Wednesday and directed teams to speed up the work and develop a Miyawaki forest along the trail. The green cover will allow visitors to walk through dense plantations and experience a forest-like environment within the city, the release said. The trail will feature bamboo clusters around existing trees, landscaping and zig-zag slopes. Officials have also directed the development of selfie and standing points at selected locations, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the riverfront and surrounding greenery. The LDA is also developing two tourist cruises to boost river-based tourism. The first cruise will operate between the ADCP office and Gomti Barrage. The 60-metre-long and 14-metre-wide vessel will accommodate around 250 passengers. Around 50% of the work has been completed, with officials setting December 2026 as the completion target. The second cruise will operate between Gomti Barrage and Hanuman Setu. The 45-metre-long and 10-metre-wide vessel will carry around 200 passengers at a time. Officials have directed the agency to complete the work and begin operations by October 2026. The LDA is also spending around Rs 2 crore on landscaping, pathways, an entry gate, toilets and railings near the ADCP office. In addition, it is installing modern swings for children at a cost of around Rs.86 lakh. Senior officials have directed that the swings undergo safety testing before they are opened to the public, the release said....