With the BJP government in Delhi focusing on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna, plans are afoot to start a cruise service in the river, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, the NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) has proposed a Yamuna Water Taxi Project with tentative stations located at Madanpur Khadar, Film City, Nizamuddin and ITO.
The issue was discussed at length at the meeting of transport secretaries from NCR states on February 14, during the meeting of the NCRPB where the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) submitted that to begin with 20-25 passenger boats may be considered for inland water transport in Yamuna. At the meeting, the NCRPB briefed through the PPT on locations for multi-model integration with water transportation network in Delhi and shared proposals including Yamuna Water Taxi project stations and proposed tentative station locations at Madanpur Khadar, Film City, Nizamuddin and ITO.
At the meeting, chief engineer, IWAI informed that one meter to 1.2 meter water-level is required for water transport and the Yamuna river front in Delhi should not only be developed for water transport but also for tourism and recreational purposes. According to minutes of the meeting, Chief Engineer of IWAI stated that before carrying out feasibility, a hydrography survey and traffic study need to be carried out. In the beginning 20 to 25 passenger boats may be considered for inland water transport. IWAI further informed that it has done various feasibility studies and detailed project reports (DPRs) for waterways, which may be referred to. IWAI is also doing some consultation with Delhi government.
Notably, the plan to develop Yamuna in Delhi as a waterway for passenger movement and tourism has so far been unsuccessful because of the water quality and necessary depth for navigation.
At the meeting, the NCR Planning Board has asked the IWAI to share the details of works, feasibility studies and the DPRs with it. The Board has also asked the IWAI to prepare the proposal for Yamuna in two weeks and it will consider funding the project.
Just weeks before Delhi assembly polls, the port, waterway and shipping ministry had announced the setting up of two jetties on river Yamuna in Delhi, which has been included in the list of national waterways.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) issued a request for quotation (RFQ) on Friday for engaging a suitable operator to run two solar or electric battery-powered cruises on the identified river stretch. Under the plan, a six-km stretch of the Yamuna is to be developed from the Wazirabad barrage (Sonia Vihar) to Jagatpur (Shani temple) for tourists. This will boost river-cruise tourism as it will be an environment-friendly and sustainable water-transport project with coordinated efforts of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), DTTDC and the irrigation and flood control department, the proposal document said.
The DTTDC will engage the operator for the cruise services that will start and finish at Sonia Vihar, with a total round trip of seven to eight kilometres. The project will be implemented by the IWAI and the DDA, in association with the DJB, and the irrigation and flood control department will provide floating jetties and a navigational aids shore facility with charging infrastructure for the cruises, the document said.
The selected operator will initially provide two electric-solar hybrid boats to operate the ferry services. The boats would require having a seating capacity of 20-30 passengers and a speed of five to seven knots. The boats would also be equipped with inboard bio-toilets, an announcement system and safety jackets.
The boats must feature inboard bio-toilets (zero discharge), an announcement system, and safety jackets for passengers. The operator will be expected to offer a cruise service that is both safe and reliable, prioritising the well-being of all passengers, crew members, and other river users. The boats should be air-conditioned, leased or owned, and no older than two years.
