FCC

Delhi To Launch Cruise Services On Yamuna River From November

2025-07-22

Residents and tourists in Delhi will soon enjoy cruise rides along the Yamuna River, with services scheduled to operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur from November. This initiative forms part of the government’s wider efforts to rejuvenate the river and promote sustainable tourism, officials said.

An eight-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna—from Wazirabad barrage (Sonia Vihar) to Jagatpur near the Shani temple—has been developed for cruise operations aimed at boosting tourism in the capital.

The project is a collaboration between five agencies: the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, which have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the service.

The DDA will allocate land for jetty construction, while the Irrigation and Flood Control Department will provide navigational aids and shore-based facilities, including charging infrastructure for the vessels.

“Delhi is fully geared for cruise service. The work has been awarded and a jetty is under construction. Services are expected to begin in November. Delhiites will soon be able to travel upstream from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur,” said Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra.

Each boat will feature inboard bio-toilets (zero discharge), a public announcement system, and life jackets for safety and comfort. The air-conditioned vessels—either leased or owned—must be no more than two years old. The operator will ensure at least four trips per day, maintaining safe and reliable service for passengers, crew, and other river users.

Earlier in March, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to introduce eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats as part of the government’s push for sustainable transport. Gupta also envisions Yamuna ghats transforming into vibrant cultural and artistic spaces similar to those in Varanasi, reaffirming a long-term commitment to river rejuvenation and infrastructure development.