PRAYAGRAJ, Nov. 8 -- New safety regulations for boats and steamers operating on the Ganga and Yamuna are likely to come into force from Magh Mela-2027. Key provisions include mandatory registration, insurance coverage for passengers and boatmen, and the creation of a digital database of boat operators. The move follows the state cabinet's approval of the Uttar Pradesh Inland Vessels Rules, 2026, which seek to regulate water transport, tourism and cargo movement on 11 major rivers, including the Gwanga and Yamuna, officials said. The new framework will replace the 2002 rules, which had limited provisions for vessel registration and monitoring and lacked mechanisms for digital tracking, officials said. Under the new rules, registration of both motorised and non-motorised boats operating on the identified rivers will be mandatory. GPS tracking, modern engine standards and improved safety measures will also be introduced. An authority will be constituted to oversee the regulation of inland water transport....