The Route: A New View of the Capital
The cruise, officially named the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari', operates on a stretch of the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in north-east Delhi. Passengers board at a newly developed terminal at Sonia Vihar, which features two floating jetties.
The service covers a round-trip distance of approximately six kilometres, offering views of the river's ecosystem, nearby ghats, and the city's green belts from a vantage point previously inaccessible to most. The entire journey is designed to last around 40 minutes, providing a short but scenic escape from the urban hustle.
What to Expect Onboard
The service utilizes an electric-powered, air-conditioned catamaran-style vessel with a capacity for about 30 passengers per trip. This eco-friendly approach is a key feature of the project, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism without polluting the river. The boats are equipped with essential safety features like life jackets and a public announcement system. To ensure the waterway remains clean, the vessel also includes onboard bio-toilets with a zero-discharge policy. The operator is expected to run a minimum of four trips daily.
Tickets, Timings, and Planning Your Visit
The cruise was inaugurated on November 10, 2026, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The reported ticket price for the ride is Rs 500 per person. Some reports also mention a separate entry ticket of Rs 50 for the premises. The service is slated to operate daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Beyond the boat ride, the area around the Sonia Vihar terminal is being developed into a recreational hub with amenities like a food court, a children's play zone, shopping stalls, and a musical fountain planned for the evenings.
A Collaborative Effort for Waterway Tourism
This project is a joint initiative spearheaded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with several Delhi government agencies, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism, and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. The launch marks a significant step in developing the Yamuna as National Waterway-110 (NW-110), a designation that stretches from Delhi to Prayagraj. After facing several delays from its initial proposed launch in February 2026, the project saw successful trial runs in October before its official inauguration. The stated goal is not only to boost tourism but also to foster a greater public connection with the river and showcase the potential of India's inland waterways for clean, recreational transport.
