A New Chapter for Delhi Tourism
Delhi has officially launched its first recreational river cruise service, the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari'. Inaugurated on November 10, 2026, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the initiative aims to transform a stretch
of the Yamuna into a vibrant tourism and leisure corridor. The project, a collaboration between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and various Delhi government departments, introduces a new recreational activity for residents and tourists alike, intended to foster a renewed connection with the historic river. The cruise operates on the upper stretch of the Yamuna, which is known for being cleaner compared to other parts of the river in Delhi. This launch marks a significant step in developing the Yamuna as National Waterway 110 and unlocking its potential for urban tourism.
The Journey: Route and Duration
The cruise operates on a designated six-kilometre round-trip route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in North Delhi. Passengers board at Sonia Vihar for a journey that lasts approximately 35 to 45 minutes, offering a unique and peaceful view of the city's riverfront landscapes. The entire trip brings passengers back to the starting point at Sonia Vihar. The service runs daily, giving ample opportunity for people to experience this novel attraction. However, the service will remain closed annually from July 1 to September 30 to account for monsoon river conditions.
The Vessel and Onboard Experience
The service has been launched with a 30-seater, all-electric vessel, ensuring an eco-friendly and quiet journey. A second boat with the same capacity is planned for launch by March 2027. The boat is designed for year-round comfort, featuring a fully air-conditioned lower deck with river-facing windows and a shaded, open-air upper deck. This allows passengers to enjoy the views regardless of the weather. For safety and convenience, the vessel is equipped with life jackets, a public announcement system, and bio-toilets.
Tickets and Timings
A ticket for the cruise journey is priced at ₹500 per person. For those who wish to visit the developed area at Sonia Vihar without taking the cruise, there is a separate entry fee of ₹50. The cruise operates daily, with timings reported to be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 9 p.m., according to different sources. Tickets can be booked online through the official Delhi Tourism website, and physical counters are also available at the site.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
The project extends beyond the cruise itself. The area around the Sonia Vihar jetty has been developed into a recreational hub for families and tourists. This hub includes a food court, commercial shops, and a children's play zone with activities like gaming, skating, and rock climbing. A key attraction is a musical fountain that presents a light-and-sound show on the history and mythology of the Yamuna river, including stories of Lord Krishna. The development aims to create a complete destination where visitors can spend quality time before or after their river journey.
The Bigger Picture: Rejuvenating the Yamuna
This cruise is a component of a much larger vision for the Yamuna's riverfront. The government has expressed plans to develop the entire 52-km stretch of the river in Delhi, drawing inspiration from the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The broader project aims to create public spaces, parks, walking trails, and cycle tracks along the riverbanks. By introducing eco-friendly tourism and recreational activities, authorities hope to improve public engagement with the river, which is seen as a crucial step towards its long-term rejuvenation and cleaning.
