Delhi Launches First Yamuna Cruise Service to Boost River Tourism

New Delhi: Delhi has launched its first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna, with Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the project at Sonia Vihar on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The service operates along the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch and features a 30-seater electric vessel covering an approximately 6-km round trip. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism and offer residents and visitors a new way to experience the river.

Sonowal said the cruise service marked a new phase in Delhi’s river tourism and was part of the Centre’s efforts to develop inland waterways for tourism, connectivity and economic activity.

Gupta said the initiative would add to Delhi’s tourism attractions and strengthen public engagement with the Yamuna, which is closely associated with the city’s history and cultural identity.

The project also includes a musical fountain with a light-and-sound show depicting the Yamuna’s mythology and heritage, along with a food court, shopping area, children’s play zone and adventure sports facilities. Floating jetties, ticket counters, online booking facilities and visitor amenities have also been provided.

Developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India in collaboration with Delhi government agencies and the Delhi Development Authority, the project seeks to establish the Yamuna as a recreational tourism destination.

The Yamuna has been designated National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016.