New Era of River Tourism Launched with Yamuna Cruise in Delhi

New Delhi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : New Delhi has taken a significant step in expanding its river-based tourism. On November 10, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first ‘Yamuna River Cruise’ service on the banks of the Yamuna River in Sonia Vihar, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in attendance.

This initiative, which operates between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, aims to harness the tourism and recreational potential of the Yamuna. It offers residents and visitors a fresh way to experience the capital. This launch is part of the central government’s broader effort to develop India’s rivers as vibrant centers for tourism, passenger transport, and economic activities.

The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra, and other senior officials from both the central and Delhi governments.

During the event, Sonowal emphasized that this project reflects the government’s commitment to utilizing India’s vast inland waterways under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He stated, “With the launch of Delhi’s first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna, we are taking another step towards reconnecting people with our rivers and showcasing their immense potential. This marks the beginning of a new wave of river tourism in the city.”

The project features a 30-seat electric cruise ship that offers tourists scenic views on a round-trip route of approximately six kilometers. The use of electric vessels highlights the potential of inland waterways for clean and sustainable transportation.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that this initiative will add a new dimension to Delhi’s tourism sector and strengthen the connection between people and the Yamuna. She remarked, “The Yamuna is an integral part of Delhi’s history, culture, and identity. This cruise service will provide residents and tourists with a novel way to experience the river while creating new opportunities for tourism and local economic activities.”

The Yamuna project is envisioned as a comprehensive eco-tourism destination, featuring various recreational attractions and facilities for visitors. A major highlight will be a musical fountain that showcases the river’s historical and spiritual significance through light and sound shows, including stories related to Sun God, Yamraj, and Lord Krishna.

Additional amenities will include a food court, shopping area, play zones for children, and adventure sports facilities like skating and rock climbing. To enhance visitor experience, modern floating jetties, dedicated ticket counters, online booking options, restrooms, waiting areas, and well-lit pathways have been established.

Declared as ‘National Waterway-110’ under the National Waterways Act of 2016, the launch of this cruise service is a pivotal step in developing waterways for entertainment and river-based tourism in the national capital.

This initiative is part of a larger national revitalization of India’s inland waterways. Freight transport on national waterways has surged from 18 million metric tons in 2013-14 to a projected 218 million metric tons by 2025-26, underscoring the growing role of waterways in the country’s logistics network. The cost of transporting goods via waterways is approximately ₹1.06 per ton-kilometer, making it a cost-effective option compared to rail and road transport.

Another emerging aspect of this expansion is river cruise tourism. The number of river cruise vessels offering overnight journeys has increased from five in 2013-14 to 26 by 2025-26. A notable example is the historic journey of the ‘MV Ganga Vilas’, recognized in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s longest river cruise, covering over 3,200 kilometers across India and Bangladesh.

The entertainment cruise service on the Yamuna has been developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, with collaboration from the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Jal Board, and the Delhi government‘s Irrigation and Flood Control Department.