Delhi launches first recreational Yamuna river cruise to boost tourism
A 30-seater electric vessel will operate on the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch to promote river-based tourism.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first recreational Yamuna River Cruise service at Sonia Vihar on November 10. The launch, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to increase river-based tourism and recreation in the capital, according to The News Mill.
The service operates on a 6-kilometre round trip along the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch using a 30-seater electric cruise vessel. The project is part of a central government initiative to use rivers for economic activity, passenger movement, and tourism.
Sarbananda Sonowal said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's inland waterways are becoming vital for sustainable connectivity, tourism, and economic progress. He added that the service marks a new era of river tourism in the city.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated the initiative would improve Delhi's tourism and encourage the public to engage with the Yamuna. She noted the river is central to the history and identity of Delhi.
The Yamuna is designated as National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. The project includes a musical fountain, a food court, a shopping area, and adventure sports facilities like rock climbing.
The service was developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Jal Board, and the Delhi government's Irrigation and Flood Control Department.