Delhi launches first recreational Yamuna river cruise service
The Namo Yamuna River Safari will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur with tickets priced at Rs 500 per person.
The first recreational river cruise service in Delhi, named Namo Yamuna River Safari, began operations on Tuesday. According to reports from The Times of India and The News Mill, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the service at Sonia Vihar in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The cruise operates along a 5km stretch of the river between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Each 40-minute ride can accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers at a fare of Rs 500 per person. The service uses electrically powered vessels and is equipped with air-conditioners, an LED screen, life jackets, and public announcement systems.
The initiative is led by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It is a collaborative effort involving the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Delhi Government.
On its opening day, more than 100 people reportedly took the cruise. While some visitors described the experience as similar to an overseas river tour, others raised concerns regarding the cost. According to Urban Acres, passengers suggested the fare should be reduced to Rs 100 or Rs 200 to make it more accessible for families.
Gaurav Garg, chairman of operator MG Sky Adventure, said lifeguards have been deployed to improve visitor safety and comfort. He added that a laser show is planned for the evening. The Yamuna is designated as National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016.