New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- Delhi's Yamuna, often associated with pollution and years of clean-up efforts, is set to acquire a new identity as a tourism destination, with the government launching its first recreational river cruise service on Tuesday. Branded as the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari', the service will allow visitors to experience a stretch of the river between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur aboard a 30-seater electric vessel.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the project at Sonia Vihar in the presence of Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and other dignitaries.
The approximately six-kilometre round-trip journey is expected to take 35-45 minutes. The proposed entry fee to the premises is Rs 50, while the cruise ride will cost Rs 500. The service will remain suspended annually from July 1 to September 30 due to monsoon conditions.
Speaking at the launch, Sonowal said, "The launch of Delhi's first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna is another step towards reconnecting people with our rivers and unlocking their immense potential. This launch signals a new wave of river tourism in the city."
Gupta said the initiative was not merely a cruise or boat service but reflected people's "faith, love and devotion towards Maa Yamuna". She added that residents would now be able to experience the river and its natural surroundings without having to travel to other cities for boating and cruise rides.
"The Yamuna is an integral part of Delhi's history, culture and identity," she said, adding that the government was committed to developing the riverfront as an attractive public destination.
The tourism project includes a musical fountain featuring a light and sound show depicting the Yamuna's mythology and association with Surya Dev, Yama and Lord Krishna, including the story of Kaliya Daman. A food court, commercial shops, children's play area, gaming facilities, skating and rock-climbing facilities, along with ecological and walking trails, have also been developed.
A riverfront terminal with two floating jetties, ticket counters, waiting areas, parking facilities, toilets and an electric charging station has been established at Sonia Vihar. A second 30-seater electric cruise is expected to be introduced by February-March 2027.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the safari would provide families an opportunity to enjoy the Yamuna's scenic surroundings while connecting with the city's cultural heritage. He added that work on cleaning the river was progressing and the remaining work would be completed in due course.
PWD and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the government had taken forward rejuvenation work along Delhi's 52-km Yamuna stretch over the past 18-19 months. The next phase would focus on the Wazirabad-Kalindi Kunj stretch and take another two to two-and-a-half years. "The Namo Yamuna River Safari is an important step towards reconnecting people with the river," he said, urging Delhi residents to participate in keeping the Yamuna clean. The project has been developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India in coordination with the DDA, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Jal Board and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.