Delhi got a new tourist attraction on Tuesday with the launch of a recreational river cruise on the Yamuna. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Namo Yamuna River Cruise Service on the Yamuna in the Sonia Vihar area of Northeast Delhi.
The project aims to promote river-based tourism along the Yamuna stretch upstream of the Wazirabad barrage. The cruise will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, covering about 4-5 km, with each ride lasting approximately 35-40 minutes. Under the proposed arrangements, the entry fee to the premises is `50, while the proposed fare for a complete cruise journey is `500.
Yamuna cruise sets sail in Delhi
A key attraction is a musical fountain featuring a coordinated light-and-sound show depicting the history and spiritual significance of the Yamuna, including its association with Surya Dev, Yama, and the divine leela of Shri Krishna, particularly the legendary Kaliya Daman.
The destination also includes a food court, shopping area, children’s play zone and adventure sports facilities, including skating and rock climbing. Modern floating jetties, dedicated ticket counters and online booking facilities, restrooms, waiting areas and illuminated approach pathways have been incorporated to provide visitors with a convenient experience.
The project marks an important step towards promoting river-based tourism, eco-friendly transport and modern public amenities along the Yamuna in Delhi.
Passengers will enjoy a boat ride along the designated route and return to their starting point after completing the journey. The boats will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, an announcement system and safety jackets. The air-conditioned vessels can be either leased or owned but must not be more than two years old. The operator will be required to run at least four trips a day.
Sonowal highlighted India’s achievements over the past 12 years, particularly in the development of waterways, saying the country had made significant progress in the sector.
Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta said that a riverfront terminal has been developed at Sonia Vihar for the convenience of tourists. Union Ministers of State Harsh Malhotra and Shantanu Thakur, MP Manoj Tiwari, Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra, among other dignitaries, were also present.
Sources said the second electric cruise with the same passenger capacity will be launched by February-March 2027.
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said that the Namo Yamuna River Safari would offer a new tourism experience in the capital. Facilities such as a creative zone, food zone, gaming activities and a kids’ zone have also been developed so that people can visit with their families and spend a pleasant time, he added. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma rode a jet ski on the Yamuna at the launch of the city’s first cruise service, Namo Yamuna River Safari.