Delhi Set for River Cruise Experience on Yamuna; Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, LG Review Progress

Delhi is preparing to welcome a new river cruise experience on the Yamuna, as Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recently reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project. Key Highlights:

Project Location:
- Stretch between Jagatpur and Sonia Vihar, upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage.
- Part of National Waterway 110 (NW-110), which runs 1,080 km from Delhi to Prayagraj.

Eco-Friendly Cruise Corridor:
- 6–7 km round-trip route designed for recreational cruises and ferry services.
- Boats powered by electric-solar hybrid systems, accommodating 30–40 passengers.
- Safety features include life jackets and public announcement systems.

Infrastructure Development:
- Two floating jetties already installed at Sonia Vihar (capacity: 50 passengers each).
- Planned on-shore amenities: parking, basic facilities, and recreational spaces.

Tourism & Connectivity Goals:
- Enhance green mobility and provide a new tourism dimension in Delhi.
- Expected to reshape the capital’s tourism landscape with river-based experiences.

National Context:
- Part of India’s broader inland waterways revival, which has seen:
- Cargo movement on waterways grow by 635% in the past decade.
- Operational waterways increase by 767%.
- Investments rise by 233%.

Why It Matters
This initiative reflects India’s push for sustainable transport and tourism, aligning with the government’s vision of cleaner, greener, and more efficient waterways. For Delhi, it means a fresh attraction for residents and visitors, blending leisure with eco-friendly connectivity.