Delhi set for river cruise experience on Yamuna; Sonowal, L-G review progress

New Delhi: Delhi is set to introduce its first structured river-cruise and ferry experience on the Yamuna, with top officials from the Centre and Delhi Government reviewing progress at Sonia Vihar on Tuesday. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma, and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra jointly inspected ongoing works under the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project.

The project, being developed between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, aims to introduce eco-friendly recreational cruises and short-distance ferry services. Estimated at Rs 20 crore, the initiative will provide green tourism options while improving urban connectivity along the Yamuna, notified as National Waterway-110, which runs 1,080 km from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

During the inspection, dignitaries reviewed the construction of floating jetties, safety systems, route planning, and passenger amenities. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has already installed two floating jetties with a 50-passenger capacity each and is developing a 6–7 km round-trip corridor for cruise operations.

Union Minister Sonowal said the initiative marks a new era for sustainable urban mobility. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s waterways have witnessed a transformational revival after decades of neglect,” he said. Calling eco-friendly cruise tourism a major milestone, he added, “Inland water transport on the Yamuna opens an exciting new chapter for Delhi.” Expanding on the project’s potential, Sonowal further said, “This project will enhance the experience of residents and tourists by adding a unique river-cruise dimension to the Capital’s tourism landscape… Yamuna will emerge as a vibrant recreational corridor and a dynamic water transport link strengthening connectivity and economic opportunities.”

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the launch represents a watershed moment for the city. “The first-ever cruise service on the Yamuna will give Delhi a new identity,” he said. Emphasising the economic benefits, Mishra added, “Employment opportunities will grow, and the tourism-based economy will gain strength.” The MoU for the project, signed between IWAI and Delhi Government departments including Irrigation and Flood Control, DDA, DJB and DTTDC, provides for electric-solar hybrid vessels accommodating 30–40 passengers. Planned amenities include parking, basic facilities, and recreational spaces.

Officials said the project will revitalise river-based recreation and reshape Delhi’s tourism landscape while promoting green mobility.