Delhi gears up to launch Yamuna river cruise services in November

Yamuna River cruises to launch soon, offering scenic rides between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. (Representative Image: Canva)

Residents and tourists of Delhi will soon be able to enjoy cruise rides along the Yamuna River, with services set to operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Scheduled to begin in November, the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to rejuvenate the river and promote sustainable tourism, officials said, according to PTI.

An eight-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna River, from the Wazirabad barrage (Sonia Vihar) to Jagatpur near the Shani temple, has been developed for cruise operations aimed at boosting tourism in Delhi.

The project is a collaborative effort involving five agencies—Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department—who have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the services.

As part of the plan, the DDA will allocate land for the construction of a jetty, while the Irrigation and Flood Control Department will provide navigational aids and shore-based facilities, including charging infrastructure for the cruise vessels.

"Delhi is fully geared for cruise service. The work has been awarded and a jetty is being constructed. The services are expected to begin in November. Delhiites will soon be able to travel on a cruise upstream from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur," Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said.

A decision on ticket pricing is yet to be finalised, officials said, adding that the number of cruises to be deployed will depend on public response once the service is launched.

"In the initial phase, there are plans to deploy two cruises. Since it will be winter, we hope there will be a good response," the official added.

The upcoming Yamuna cruise service in Delhi will operate during the summer months but will remain suspended during the monsoon season, officials said.

Each boat will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets (zero discharge), a public announcement system, and life jackets to ensure safety and comfort. The air-conditioned vessels, either leased or owned, must be no more than two years old. The cruise operator will be tasked with ensuring at least four trips per day and maintaining a safe and reliable service for passengers, crew, and other river users.

Earlier in March, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had announced plans to introduce eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats as part of the government's push for sustainable transport. Gupta also said she envisions Yamuna ghats transforming into vibrant cultural and artistic spaces akin to the ghats of Varanasi, reaffirming the government's long-term commitment to river rejuvenation and infrastructure development.

(With inputs from PTI)