New Delhi: Delhi has launched its first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna River. This is being seen as a significant initiative toward promoting river tourism in the national capital. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the service on November 10, at Sonia Vihar, in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Under the project, a 30-seater electric cruise vessel will operate along the route, covering a journey of approximately 6-km along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur route. This initiative, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aims to promote sustainable river tourism in Delhi while providing a new recreational option for local residents and visitors.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that this cruise service marks the beginning of a new era for river tourism in Delhi. He added that this initiative reflects the central government’s commitment to developing inland waterways to promote tourism, economic activities and sustainable transport.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative would add a new dimension to Delhi’s tourism sector and help develop the Yamuna riverfront as an attractive public tourist destination.
The broader eco-tourism project includes a musical fountain with a spectacular light-and-sound show highlighting the Yamuna’s historical and spiritual significance, including its association with Surya Dev, Yama and Lord Krishna’s Kaliya Daman episode. Other attractions include a food court, shopping zone, children’s play zone and adventure sports facilities such as skating and rock climbing.
The site is also equipped with floating jetties, ticket counters, online booking facilities, waiting areas, restrooms and well-lit approach pathways for visitors.
The Yamuna has been designated as National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. The project has been developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the Delhi government’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The launch is part of the Centre’s broader initiative to expand inland water transport and river cruise tourism across the country.
(PIB)
