On the lines of Varanasi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, Delhiites could enjoy a cruise ride on the Yamuna from the first week of November, with the launch of a trial run of the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari' on a 6-km stretch that offers a new family picnic destination with a restaurant, food park, children's zone, musical fountain and water sports.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the Yamuna ferry service will open before the Chhath festival, with the government aiming to develop it as a family picnic destination. Chhath Puja will be celebrated across the country between November 13-16. She took part in the trial run and inspected the cruise service being developed on the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.
The project, being developed on a six-km waterway between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities.
According to a statement issued by the chief minister's office, the trial run is expected to continue for about a week, followed by preparations for the formal launch in the first week of November.
The ferry service named “Namo Yamuna River Safari” was earlier supposed to be launched on February 20 to coincide with the completion of one year of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in power. However, the launch was delayed because work on the ferry was still pending.
The cruise will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, covering about four to five kilometres and offering a 35-45-minute ride. Each ride will accommodate up to 30 passengers.
Passengers will enjoy a boat ride along the designated route and return to their starting point at the end of the journey. The trial run is planned to continue for about a week, followed by preparations for a formal launch in the first week of November. An official announcement will be made once the final date is decided. Under the proposed arrangements, the entry fee for the premises is set at Rs 50, and the proposed fare for a full cruise trip is Rs 500.
The project aims to promote river-based tourism along the Yamuna stretch upstream of the Wazirabad barrage. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Delhi government agencies signed an agreement in March 2025 to develop cruise tourism. The boats will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, an announcement system and safety jackets.
“Our effort is to have its inauguration before the Chhath Mahaparv. This will become a beautiful picnic spot for families, where full attention will be given to nature and the cleanliness of Mother Yamuna,” the chief minister said. The chief minister said the Yamuna Safari launch will add a new dimension to this bond while opening fresh opportunities for tourism and recreation in the Capital.
The chief minister, along with Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and other officials, took a ride on the cruise and inspected its facilities ahead of the proposed launch. The service is expected to launch formally in the coming days after trial runs the completed.
“Just as boating on rivers in other cities offers people a chance to unwind and get closer to nature, residents of Delhi will also be able to enjoy a cruise while taking in the sights of the Yamuna. The initiative is an important step towards developing an attractive tourism destination for families,” she said.
It is expected to boost local economic activity and create new employment opportunities. Facilities along the river are being developed to turn the area into an attractive tourism and recreation destination for Delhi residents. The project includes food kiosks, a restaurant, a kids' zone and other essential public amenities for visitors.
Under the proposed arrangements, the operator will provide a comfortable service and ensure the safety of passengers, crew members, and other river users.
Further, the air-conditioned boats can be leased or owned and must be no more than two years old. The operator must also ensure at least four trips per day. The agencies involved in the project include the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and Delhi Jal Board.
Mishra described Yamuna River Safari as a remarkable project being realised through the joint efforts of the Central Government, DDA, Delhi Government and Delhi Tourism. With boat rides, a musical fountain, water sports and a food park, the project will offer Delhi residents and tourists an enjoyable river experience.