Delhi Ferry project faces delay as Yamuna water levels fall, 5km route nearly dry

Delhi’s ambitious ferry and cruise project on the Yamuna River is facing significant delays as falling water levels have left the proposed 5km route largely dry, casting serious doubts over its launch timeline.

The project, which aims to operate a cruise service between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, was initially planned for a February launch and later pushed to May. However, officials now say the service is unlikely to begin anytime soon due to insufficient water depth along the stretch.

According to officials associated with the project, the cruise vessel currently deployed can only move a few hundred metres due to extremely shallow water conditions. Large portions of the riverbed are exposed, making navigation impossible for the heavy boat designed for the route.

“There is no water left in the stretch needed for navigation. The boat requires deep water to operate, but even 6–7 feet depth is not available,” an official said, adding that the vessel risks getting stuck in silt if deployed.

The proposed route was expected to offer a one-hour ride along a 5km stretch, but current conditions have made operations unfeasible. Authorities have indicated that even a June launch appears unlikely.

Earlier announcements had suggested a May launch by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, but the service has repeatedly been delayed due to technical and environmental constraints.

On-ground inspections have revealed that the river section remains largely dry, with only shallow pools of 2–3 feet depth visible in many areas. While infrastructure such as boarding stations at Sonia Vihar is nearly complete, the vessel itself remains inactive.

Officials also noted that the monsoon season may bring additional challenges due to rising water levels and safety risks, making it difficult to finalise a stable operational window.

Experts have questioned the feasibility of the project, pointing out that the Yamuna in this stretch suffers from low environmental flow and heavy siltation, limiting its suitability for navigation and water-based tourism initiatives.

Previous attempts to introduce water transport in the Yamuna have also failed due to similar issues related to depth, pollution, and seasonal variability.

The project, estimated at around ₹20 crore, is part of a broader river rejuvenation and tourism initiative aimed at developing eco-tourism and cruise experiences along the Yamuna in Delhi.