LUCKNOW, Oct. 29 -- Nearly eight months after its formation, the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority (UPIWA) is set to become operational with the appointment of its vice-chairman, an expert who will oversee the planning and promotion of water transport in the state.

A retired bureaucrat with long experience in water transport management is believed to be the frontrunner for the post. Minister of state for transport (Independent Charge) Daya Shankar Singh said the process for appointing the vice-chairman was under consideration. "We are considering quite a few names of experts for the post and the final decision will be taken soon," Singh told HT over the phone from Bihar.

The UP Cabinet had approved the establishment of UPIWA in F...