Delhi’s First Yamuna River Cruise Set to Offer a New View of the Capital

Delhi is preparing to offer residents and tourists a fresh way to explore the capital—from the waters of the Yamuna. The city’s first-ever river cruise, named ‘Namo Yamuna – River Safari’, is set to begin trial runs, opening the door to a new kind of urban leisure experience.The initiative aims to turn a stretch of the river into a recreational corridor, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the capital while supporting the development of sustainable river-based tourism.A 40-Minute Journey on the YamunaThe proposed cruise will cover a five-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Each ride is expected to last around 40 minutes, with fares fixed at ₹500 per person. Each vessel will have a maximum capacity of 30 passengers.The service is expected to undergo trial runs for four to five days before its formal inauguration. Once operational, it could offer families, visitors and local residents a distinctive way to experience Delhi beyond its busy roads and familiar tourist attractions.Bringing Eco-Friendly Tourism to the RiverThe project forms part of broader efforts to promote inland water transport and river-based tourism in the national capital. The Yamuna, designated as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), stretches approximately 1,080 kilometres from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working to develop facilities along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur corridor. The wider plan includes a six-to-seven-kilometre round-trip route aimed at supporting inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism.Electric-solar hybrid boats are planned for the corridor, with designs intended to accommodate 30 to 40 passengers. Safety provisions, including life jackets and public announcement systems, are also part of the proposed arrangements.A New Chapter for Delhi’s WaterfrontTo advance the project, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with key Delhi government agencies, including the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. The agreement focuses on developing cruise tourism along a four-kilometre stretch of the waterway.If successful, the initiative could expand Delhi’s tourism offerings, encourage greener mobility and create new opportunities for recreation along the Yamuna. It also presents an opportunity to reconnect people with the river through a different lens.For a city known for its historic monuments and bustling streets, the river safari promises a refreshing new perspective—one that invites visitors to discover Delhi from the water.