New Delhi: Delhi’s first river cruise, ‘Namo Yamuna – River Safari’, began its trial run on Monday, paving the way for a new tourism attraction along the Yamuna River. The service will operate along a five-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the river and its surroundings from a different perspective. The proposed ride will last around 40 minutes, with tickets priced at ₹500 per person. Each cruise will have a maximum capacity of 30 passengers.
The trial run is expected to continue for four to five days before the official launch. The Delhi government aims to open the service to the public before the Chhath festival. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur route as part of the trial operations. She said through social media that officials had been instructed to ensure passenger safety, cleanliness and adequate facilities.
The trial phase will help assess the cruise’s operational arrangements and other requirements before the formal inauguration. The initiative is part of broader efforts to develop tourism around the Yamuna and promote inland water transport in the national capital. Electric-solar hybrid boats are planned for the river safari to promote environmentally friendly transport. Safety arrangements are expected to include life jackets and a public announcement system.
Infrastructure development for cruise tourism is also progressing along a round-trip route of approximately six to seven kilometres between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The project is being advanced under the leadership of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. A memorandum of understanding has also been signed involving the Inland Waterways Authority of India, the Delhi government’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority, the Delhi Jal Board, and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.
The stretch of the Yamuna extending from Jagatpur towards Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh falls under National Waterway 110. Once operational, the Namo Yamuna River Safari is expected to add a new attraction to Delhi’s tourism offerings, while supporting efforts to develop river-based tourism and inland water transport.
