Delhi launches trial of first Yamuna river safari

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched trial runs of the ‘Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari’ along the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch, introducing a new river tourism experience in the capital. Cruise services are planned to commence before Chhath Mahaparv, with the initiative expected to promote tourism, create employment opportunities and support local businesses. Reviewing preparations, Gupta directed officials to prioritise cleanliness, passenger safety and convenience. Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and senior officials were present.

Delhi: On 'Namo Yamuna River Safari', Chief Minister Rekha Gupta says, "We plan to inaugurate this before Chhath. It will provide a special experience for the people of Delhi. Just as we travel to other cities and experience peace while boating on the Ganga, the Yamuna, or other rivers, similarly, people here will find peace while taking the Yamuna Safari and will be able to seek the blessings of Mother Yamuna. Families will come here, as it is being developed like a beautiful picnic spot while keeping environmental preservation in mind and ensuring the cleanliness of Mother Yamuna. The local people will utilize this facility, making it a significant achievement for Delhi that will bring joy to everyone..."

— IANS (@ians_india) October 26, 2026

The proposed service will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, covering a stretch of around five kilometres. Each ride is expected to last approximately 40 minutes, with tickets priced at Rs 500 per passenger.The cruise will accommodate up to 30 passengers per trip. The trial phase is scheduled to continue for four to five days before the service’s official launch.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to develop the Yamuna as a recreational corridor and encourage eco-friendly tourism and inland waterway transport in Delhi.The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is supporting the development of a river cruise corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is working with several Delhi government agencies to facilitate the project.

#WATCH | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta alongwith Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra inspect Delhi’s first-ever 'Namo Yamuna River Safari'. https://t.co/97Y7OAZOdE

— ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2026

These include the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). The collaboration aims to develop cruise tourism along a section of National Waterway 110 (NW-110).The proposed corridor is expected to provide opportunities for recreational boating and short-distance river tourism. The boats, designed with electric-solar hybrid technology, will be equipped with safety features, including life jackets and public announcement systems.The Yamuna has been designated National Waterway 110, extending for approximately 1,080 kilometres between the Delhi region and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.