New Delhi, Nov 19

Delhi is preparing to introduce a new river cruise experience on the Yamuna, aiming to offer residents and visitors a fresh way to enjoy the city. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra recently reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project. Their visit marked an important step toward bringing river-based tourism to the national capital.

The project is being developed upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. It is designed to create recreational boat cruises and ferry services across a 6–7 km stretch of the Yamuna. With an investment of around ₹20 crore, this section forms part of National Waterway 110, which runs from Jagatpur in Delhi all the way to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Officials believe that introducing river cruises in the city will not only provide a new leisure activity but also promote cleaner and more sustainable travel.

Sonowal described the initiative as a major step toward building eco-friendly transport options. He said that cruise tourism on the Yamuna represents new possibilities for improving connectivity and boosting tourism within Delhi. According to him, the project reflects the government’s broader push to make better use of India’s waterways while keeping the environment in mind.

To bring the plan to life, the Inland Waterways Authority of India has signed agreements with several Delhi government departments, including Irrigation and Flood Control, the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Together, these bodies are working to develop the necessary infrastructure and ensure smooth operations. The project includes running cruise services along a four-kilometre stretch of the river.

The cruises will use electric-solar hybrid boats that can carry 30 to 40 passengers. Two floating jetties capable of handling up to 50 passengers each have already been built at Sonia Vihar. Plans are also in place for parking areas, recreational zones and other supporting facilities so visitors can enjoy a pleasant experience both on and off the water.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that the new cruise system is expected to encourage green mobility, promote tourism and offer a relaxing new activity for people in the city. The review meeting was attended by Delhi ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh and Kapil Mishra, along with senior officials from IWAI and the Delhi government.

Across India, IWAI is working to strengthen the country’s waterway network by developing terminals, improving water routes and introducing more environment-friendly travel options. Electric catamarans have already started operating in Varanasi and Ayodhya, and similar services are planned for Patna and Guwahati. IWAI has even tested India’s first hydrogen fuel-cell vessel, marking a major step in clean-energy transport.

Sonowal also highlighted how fast India’s waterways sector has grown over the past decade. Cargo movement has risen massively, more waterways have become operational and investments have increased significantly. Today, India has 111 national waterways covering over 20,000 kilometres across 23 states and four Union Territories. The number of waterways currently in use is expected to reach 76 by 2027. Cargo movement on national waterways reached a record 146 million tonnes between April 2024 and March 2025, showing how important these routes have become for the country.

 Delhi Set to Launch River Cruise Experience on the Yamuna

Delhi is preparing to introduce a new river cruise experience on the Yamuna, giving people a fresh way to explore the city from the water. The project is being developed between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur and aims to offer relaxing boat rides along a 6–7 km stretch of the river. Leaders including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena recently reviewed the progress and expressed confidence that the initiative will boost tourism and provide a greener way to travel.

The cruises will use electric-solar hybrid boats that can carry around 30 to 40 passengers. Floating jetties have already been set up, and more facilities like parking areas and recreational spaces will be added. The project is part of a larger effort to promote eco-friendly waterways across India. Officials expect the Yamuna cruise to attract both locals and visitors, offering a peaceful experience and a new way to appreciate the river. The initiative also supports the growing focus on green mobility and sustainable tourism in the capital.