The Delhi government is preparing to offer a "cruise experience" for the people of the national capital, starting next month on the Yamuna River, ANI news
agency reported, citing Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will launch the Yamuna cruise recreational services next month. Mishra told ANI that an MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government regarding the cruise service. "We are going to start a cruise on the Yamuna, most probably, sometime in February, the Chief Minister will dedicate it to the people of Delhi. We are bringing this in accordance with international safety standards. The upstream Wazirabad model is state-of-the-art. A joint MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government. It has a hybrid engine," he said. "The Yamuna has two phases in Delhi: upstream Wazirabad and downstream Wazirabad. For upstream Wazirabad, we are working to connect people with the Yamuna. Downstream Wazirabad, the sewage is being tapped first. Systems are being built to treat it. Treatment systems for the drains are being constructed so that clean water flows downstream," Mishra added. Moreover, in October last year, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Kapil Mishra reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project. Also Read: Delhi’s Yamuna Turns Toxic Again: River Turns Unrecognisable With Froth and Waste | Watch Video
About the Yamuna Cruise Project
The project aims to introduce recreational boat cruises and ferry services on the River Yamuna for residents and visitors in the national capital.
The project, located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is expected to provide a new green tourism experience and enhance connectivity through eco-friendly river travel. The initiative is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.
Initially, after the launch, one boat will carry 90 people at once. Additionally, for an enhanced tourism experience, snacks will be provided to the passengers on board. The cruise will offer beautiful panoramic views of the Yamuna ghats and the landscape along the riverbanks.
As part of efforts to promote inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing facilities along a 6-7 km round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.
The corridor will function as a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations, powered by electric-solar hybrid boats that can accommodate 30 to 40 passengers. The vessels will be equipped with safety equipment, including life jackets and public announcement systems.
The project is expected to revitalise recreational activities, enhance green mobility, and reshape Delhi's tourism landscape by offering new river-based experiences for residents and tourists.
(With inputs from ANI)
