Delhi is on the verge of unveiling a transformative river experience that will reshape how residents and tourists interact with the Yamuna. By the end of November, the national capital is set to launch recreational cruise services, marking a significant leap in eco-friendly urban mobility and tourism.
A Green Vision for the Yamuna
The ambitious project took center stage during a recent review by a high-powered delegation. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra assessed the on-ground progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project.
Spanning the stretch upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, the initiative is designed to create a vibrant green tourism corridor. With an estimated investment of INR 20 crore, it will offer a captivating 6–7 km round-trip cruise, enhancing last-mile connectivity through sustainable river transport.
Infrastructure and National Significance
The Yamuna, designated as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), extends 1,080 km from Delhi's Jagatpur to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. As part of a broader national push, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing supporting facilities along a 4 km stretch of this waterway.
To bring this vision to life, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding with several Delhi Government departments. The collaboration includes the Irrigation and Flood Control department, DDA, Delhi Jal Board, and DTTDC.
The operational backbone will consist of electric-solar hybrid boats, each capable of carrying 30 to 40 passengers. The corridor will be equipped with essential safety gear, including life jackets and public announcement systems. IWAI has already installed two floating jetties at Sonia Vihar, each with a capacity for 50 passengers. Work is also underway to finalize on-shore facilities, parking, basic amenities, and recreational areas.
A Transformational Shift in Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the project's national significance. He stated that it reflects a renewed focus on revitalizing India's waterways after decades of neglect. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s waterways have witnessed a transformational revival,” Sonowal remarked.
He highlighted that the eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is a major milestone, paving the way for cleaner, greener, and more efficient water transport that will boost connectivity and tourism in the heart of Delhi.
Reflecting on the larger potential, Sonowal added that the development of inland water transport opens an exciting new chapter for the capital. It promises not just a cleaner mode of travel but also a unique recreational dimension that will enhance the experience for all.
The project is part of the wider Harit Nauka initiative, which has already seen the launch of electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya, with plans for Patna and Guwahati. IWAI's efforts are showing remarkable results across the country, with a 767% increase in operational national waterways and a 635% growth in cargo movement. The government aims to increase the number of operational waterways from 32 to 76 by 2027.
