The Yamuna is set to offer Delhiites a new perspective of their city. A first-of-its-kind river cruise is preparing for launch, promising a unique recreational experience. Here are the details on what this ambitious project entails.
What is the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari'?
Delhi is launching
its first formal river cruise service, officially named the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari'. This initiative is designed to transform a stretch of the river into a leisure and tourism corridor. The project is a collaborative effort involving the central government's Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and several Delhi government agencies, including the DDA and Delhi Tourism. The primary goal is to promote eco-friendly tourism and provide residents and visitors with a new way to experience the capital. Trial runs for the service began in late October 2026, with a formal launch expected to follow shortly, potentially before the Chhath festival in November.
The Route and Onboard Experience
The cruise will operate on the stretch of the Yamuna upstream of the Wazirabad barrage, which has a more stable water flow throughout the year. The safari will cover a round-trip distance of about 5-6 kilometres between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, near the Shani Temple. Each ride is expected to last approximately 40 minutes. The vessel itself is an electric-solar hybrid boat, reflecting the project's focus on sustainability. It is air-conditioned and has a capacity for about 30 passengers per trip. Onboard amenities include bio-toilets to prevent river discharge, a public announcement system, and comprehensive safety equipment like life jackets.
How Much Will It Cost?
The fare for the 40-minute cruise has been set at ₹500 per person. In addition to the cruise ticket, there will be a separate entry fee of ₹50 for the premises at the boarding point, which is being developed as a recreational destination. This area is planned to include facilities like a food park, a children's zone, and a musical fountain to create a complete family-friendly picnic spot. Officials have indicated that tickets will be available for purchase online through the Delhi Tourism website once the service is formally launched.
A Collaborative Effort Years in the Making
The idea of a water_based transport or tourism service on the Yamuna has been discussed for years. The river is officially designated as National Waterway 110 (NW_110), running from Delhi to Prayagraj. This specific cruise project gained formal momentum in March 2025 when the IWAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with various Delhi government departments to develop tourism on this stretch. While the initial launch was anticipated earlier, the project faced delays related to factors like ensuring adequate water depth and navigational capacity. The current trial runs signal that these initial hurdles have been addressed, with officials inspecting the final arrangements ahead of the public launch.
Challenges and the Bigger Picture
The launch of the cruise comes with an undeniable backdrop of concern over the Yamuna's health. While the cruise operates on a relatively cleaner upstream section, the river's overall pollution remains a major issue for Delhi, with toxic foam appearing in other stretches of the river around the same time as the cruise's trial runs. Officials have stressed that developing tourism must go hand_in_hand with cleaning the river and protecting the environment. Critics have previously questioned the timing of such a project, arguing that cleaning the river should be the absolute priority. However, proponents see the cruise as a way to reconnect people with the Yamuna, potentially fostering a greater public desire to see it clean and healthy, while also boosting local tourism and creating employment.
