NEW DELHI. Delhi has taken a major step towards promoting river tourism with the launch of its first recreational Yamuna River Cruise service along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch. The 30-seater electric cruise vessel, inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will offer visitors a scenic experience along an approximately 6-km round-trip route. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism while reconnecting people with the Yamuna. The project also features a musical fountain with a light and sound show showcasing the river’s historical and spiritual significance, besides a food court, shopping area, children’s play zone and adventure sports facilities. Floating jetties, ticket counters, online booking facilities and other visitor amenities have also been developed.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to develop India’s inland waterways as hubs of tourism, passenger movement and economic activity. The Yamuna has been designated as National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India in collaboration with various Delhi government agencies, the project is expected to create fresh tourism and livelihood opportunities. Highlighting the growing importance of inland waterways, the government stated that cargo movement on national waterways increased from 18 million metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 218 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. The expansion of river cruise tourism, including the landmark MV Ganga Vilas journey across India and Bangladesh, further reflects the country’s growing focus on waterways-based tourism.
