New Delhi: Delhi began trial runs of its first-ever Yamuna River Cruise, ‘Namo Yamuna – River Safari’, on Monday. This initiative aims to promote river-based tourism and offer residents and tourists a unique view of the capital’s skyline and heritage.
The ferry safari will cover a 5-kilometer stretch from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur, with each trip taking approximately 40 minutes. The fare has been set at ₹500 per person, and each cruise vessel will have a maximum capacity of 30 passengers. According to the available information, the service will undergo trial runs for four to five days before its formal inauguration.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to promote inland water transport and river-based tourism in the national capital. The Yamuna River has been notified as National Waterway-110 (NW-110), spanning a 1,080-kilometer stretch from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
To support the project, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key departments of the Delhi government. These include the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). The objective of this agreement is to develop cruise tourism along a four-kilometer stretch of National Waterway-110 (NW-110).
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is developing facilities along a 6 to 7-kilometre-long round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, with the objective of promoting inland water transport and urban tourism.
The proposed corridor is planned to be developed as a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations. Electric-solar hybrid boats, with a capacity of 30 to 40 passengers, will be operated here. To ensure passenger safety, the boats will be equipped with amenities such as life jackets and a public announcement system.
This project is expected to boost river-based tourism in Delhi, promote green transport, and create new opportunities for recreational activities. It will offer both residents of the capital and tourists a new tourism experience along the banks of the Yamuna.
