namo-yamuna-river-safari-launched-in-delhi-electric-cruise-tourism (TIN)
New Delhi: Delhi’s Yamuna River is set to become a major attraction for residents and tourists, with the launch of the Namo Yamuna River Safari introducing a new dimension to the capital’s tourism landscape. From electric cruise rides and musical fountains to riverside entertainment and family-friendly facilities, the project aims to bring together spirituality, nature and modern recreation.
The ambitious initiative was inaugurated on Tuesday at Sonia Vihar by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and several other dignitaries were also present at the launch ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the Namo Yamuna River Safari as more than just a cruise service, calling it a symbol of Delhi’s faith, affection and commitment towards the Yamuna.
She said the river has remained an integral part of Delhi’s identity, cultural heritage, religious traditions and everyday life. The project will allow residents to experience the river’s natural surroundings more closely and develop a renewed connection with it.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Delhi residents previously had to travel to other cities to enjoy cruise rides and boating facilities. With this initiative, such experiences will now be available within the capital itself. She encouraged families to visit the destination with their children and spend quality time amid nature.
The project has been developed as a comprehensive family tourism destination rather than being limited to water-based activities. Visitors at Sonia Vihar will be able to enjoy electric cruise rides, a theme-based musical fountain, food outlets, children's play areas, recreational activities and commercial shopping spaces.
The musical fountain will showcase the stories of Lord Krishna and the significance of Maa Yamuna through a combination of music, lights and visual presentations.
Environment-friendly trails and dedicated walking pathways have also been developed to help visitors explore the river's natural surroundings. The destination aims to offer a combination of spiritual experiences, scenic beauty and modern entertainment.
Under the first phase, an electric cruise with a capacity of 30 passengers has been introduced on the Yamuna. A second cruise with the same passenger capacity is expected to become operational by February-March 2027.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a river journey lasting approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
The project includes recreational cruise and boating services along an approximately four-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Additionally, a six-kilometre stretch between Wazirabad Barrage and Jagatpur has been identified as suitable for water transportation.
A minimum navigational depth of 1.5 metres has been specified for operating small passenger vessels.
To make the facility accessible to visitors, the proposed entry fee has been fixed at Rs 50, while the complete cruise journey is expected to cost Rs 500.
Passengers will return to their original boarding point after completing the journey.
A riverside terminal has been developed at Sonia Vihar, featuring two floating jetties for passenger boarding and disembarking. The terminal also includes ticket counters, a security room, paid parking facilities, waiting areas, food outlets and commercial shops.
A dedicated charging station has also been established to support the operation of electric cruises.
One of the key features of the project is its environmentally conscious design. By introducing electric-powered cruises, the initiative aims to promote cleaner and more sustainable river-based tourism.
Separate toilet facilities for men, women and persons with disabilities have been provided. The premises also feature a sewage treatment plant, drinking water facilities, a kitchen, storage areas, lighting arrangements and paved approach roads.
The government aims to develop tourism infrastructure along the Yamuna while ensuring that environmental protection and public convenience remain important priorities.
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the Namo Yamuna River Safari would mark a new chapter in the capital's tourism sector.
He stated that visitors would not only enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yamuna but also get an opportunity to connect with India's cultural and religious heritage.
According to Mishra, the musical fountain, food outlets, creative activities, recreational facilities and dedicated children's zones will make the destination an attractive place for families.
He added that the government is working to explore new tourism opportunities along the river. Efforts to clean the Yamuna are also progressing, with the remaining work expected to be completed in the coming period.
During her address, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticised previous governments, accusing them of focusing more on allegations and political blame games than development.
She said the present government was committed to resolving Delhi's problems and providing better facilities to residents.
Referring to the Chhath festival, Gupta recalled the difficulties devotees previously faced while performing religious rituals along the Yamuna. She said the current government organised a grand Chhath celebration on the riverbank during its first year in office.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this year's celebrations would be organised on an even larger scale, with greater enthusiasm and participation from Delhi residents.
The Namo Yamuna River Safari has been developed through the joint efforts of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.
Keeping monsoon conditions and passenger safety in mind, the cruise service will remain suspended every year from July 1 to September 30.
Union Ministers of State Harsh Malhotra and Shantanu Thakur, MP Manoj Tiwari, Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration.
With the launch of the Namo Yamuna River Safari, Delhi is looking to transform its relationship with the river into a new tourism experience, bringing spirituality, cultural heritage, natural beauty and modern recreation together.
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