Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Namo Yamuna River Safari on Tuesday.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first recreational Yamuna River Cruise service at Sonia Vihar on Tuesday, according to ANI and The News Mill. The service, named Namo Yamuna River Safari, operates on an electric vessel along a 6-km round-trip stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.
The cruise service was developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with the Delhi government, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. The Yamuna has been designated as National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
The 30-seater air-conditioned boats feature zero-discharge bio-toilets, life jackets, and an announcement system. According to Moneycontrol, the expected ticket price is Rs 500 per person for a 40-minute ride, with bookings available online via the Delhi Tourism website or at physical counters. Service begins at 9 am, with the last tickets issued around 9 pm.
The riverfront includes a musical fountain, a food court, shopping outlets, a children's play zone, and adventure sports such as rock climbing and a skating zone. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the service will provide a new recreational experience and help strengthen the connection between people and the Yamuna.
The inauguration was attended by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, among others.
