New Delhi, Oct 26 Delhiites could enjoy a cruise ride on the Yamuna from the first week of November, with the launch of a trial run of the ‘Namo Yamuna River Safari’ on a 6-km stretch that offers a new family picnic destination with a restaurant, food park, children’s zone, musical fountain and water sports.
The project, being developed between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur on a six-km waterway, is expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities, with facilities being developed to turn the surrounding area into a recreational destination, said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Under the proposed arrangements, the entry fee for the premises has been set at Rs 50, while the fare for a complete cruise trip is proposed at Rs 500. Tickets will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website, according to a statement.
According to a statement, the trial run is expected to continue for about a week, followed by preparations for the formal launch in the first week of November.
Gupta inspected the cruise service and took a ride along with Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and other officials ahead of its proposed launch.
“Our effort is to have its inauguration before the Chhath Mahaparv. This will become a beautiful picnic spot for families, where full attention will be given to nature and the cleanliness of Mother Yamuna,” Gupta said.
She said Delhi shared a deep emotional and cultural bond with the Yamuna and the river safari would give this relationship a new dimension while creating fresh opportunities for tourism and recreation. She stressed that developing tourism facilities must go hand in hand with keeping the river clean and protecting the environment.
The cruise will accommodate up to 30 passengers. The round trip from Sonia Vihar to the Shani Temple in Jagatpur will take about 40 minutes, it mentioned.
The project is being developed through coordination among the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Delhi Jal Board.
The IWAI and Delhi government agencies signed an agreement in March 2025 to develop cruise tourism along the Yamuna stretch upstream of the Wazirabad barrage.
Mishra said the project was taking shape through joint efforts of the Centre, DDA, the Delhi government and Delhi Tourism. The proposed attractions include boat rides, a musical fountain, water sports and a food park, he said.
Mishra also said the government was preparing for Chhath Puja celebrations along the Yamuna this year and that the cruise project had been developed in accordance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) requirements and environmental standards.
The cruise boats will be air-conditioned and equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, an announcement system and safety jackets. Under the proposed arrangements, the operator will be responsible for ensuring passenger comfort and the safety of passengers, crew members and other river users.
(PTI News)
