By The initiative is aimed at promoting river-based tourism and giving residents and visitors another recreational option within the capital. The eco-friendly cruise can carry up to 30 passengers per trip, and tickets will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website. The launch also brings renewed attention to the Yamuna, a river that has remained at the centre of political debate over pollution and clean-up efforts in Delhi.
Sonowal Inaugurates Cruise Service at Sonia Vihar
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal formally inaugurated the service at Sonia Vihar on Tuesday. Following the ceremony, he joined Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra for the inaugural cruise.
Gupta said the project would allow Delhi residents to enjoy a river-based recreational experience without travelling to other cities. She added that the government was also looking at light-and-sound shows and other activities along the river to create more opportunities for families to spend time together.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra described the cruise as a new attraction for Delhi and said the number of safari services would be increased in the coming days. He also criticised previous governments, arguing that similar initiatives could have been developed earlier.
Mishra said the project was being jointly developed by the Delhi government, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Union Tourism Ministry. He further claimed that around 60 per cent of the work to clean the Yamuna had been completed, while the remaining 40 per cent was still pending.
Yamuna Pollution Remains a Political Issue
The launch comes against the backdrop of a long-running political dispute over the condition of the Yamuna in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party had repeatedly blamed neighbouring BJP-governed states for releasing polluted water into the river. The BJP, in turn, accused previous AAP governments in Delhi of failing to improve sewage infrastructure and meet their river-cleaning commitments.
The new safari is intended to open a stretch of the river for recreational tourism, although the wider challenge of improving the Yamuna’s water quality remains an important issue for the city.
How the Namo Yamuna River Safari Will Operate
The cruise will cover a six-kilometre round trip between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, along the stretch upstream of the Wazirabad barrage. The project follows an agreement signed in March 2025 between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Delhi government agencies to develop cruise tourism on this section of the Yamuna.
The vessels will have several passenger facilities and safety features, including:
- Air-conditioned seating areas
- Inboard bio-toilets designed for zero discharge
- Safety jackets for passengers
- An announcement system
Under the operating requirements, vessels may be owned or leased by the service operator but must not be more than two years old. The operator is also required to run at least four trips daily and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, crew members and other river users.
Trial runs were conducted last month in the presence of senior officials from the IWAI and the Delhi government before the formal launch.
Centre Highlights Growth of India’s Waterways
Speaking at the inauguration, Sonowal highlighted the progress made in India’s waterways sector over the past 12 years. He also praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership and said Delhi was witnessing development at a rapid pace despite the government having been in office for a relatively short period.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra and other Cabinet ministers were also present at the event.
With the Namo Yamuna River Safari, the government hopes to make the river a part of Delhi’s recreational and tourism landscape. Its longer-term appeal will depend not only on passenger interest but also on the broader efforts to improve the riverfront and address the Yamuna’s pollution concerns.
