Delhi is set to introduce a new river tourism experience with the soft trial of the Namo Yamuna River Safari. The initiative aims to promote tourism and offer visitors a different way to explore the capital’s riverfront. According to the details provided, the cruise will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, with a journey lasting approximately 40 minutes. The ticket price has been fixed at ₹500 per passenger, while each trip will accommodate a maximum of 30 people. The initial trial is expected to continue for four to five days before the formal inauguration of the service. The project is intended to create new recreational opportunities along the Yamuna and attract visitors interested in the city’s natural surroundings.

Cruise Route, Ticket Price and Trial Schedule

The proposed cruise service will connect Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur along a short stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi. The planned corridor is approximately 6–7 kilometres for a round trip, providing passengers with an opportunity to experience the river from a different perspective. A ticket is expected to cost ₹500 per person for a journey lasting around 40 minutes. With a maximum capacity of 30 passengers per trip, the service is designed for relatively small groups. The initial soft trial will help assess operational arrangements and the overall passenger experience. The formal launch is expected to follow after the trial period, subject to the project's progress and arrangements.

Focus on Riverfront Tourism and Water Transport
The initiative is being linked to broader efforts to develop the Yamuna riverfront and expand recreational activities along the river. The Yamuna is designated as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), with the waterway extending approximately 1,080 kilometres from the Delhi region towards Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The proposed cruise corridor focuses on short-distance urban tourism rather than long-distance passenger travel. If developed further, the service could provide visitors with another leisure option while drawing attention to the river and its surroundings. The project's environmental objectives and long-term benefits will depend on operational practices, water quality, river conditions and the arrangements adopted to protect the local ecosystem.

IWAI and Delhi Agencies Join Hands for the Project

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with several Delhi government agencies to facilitate the development of river-based tourism and inland water transport. The participating organisations include the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board, and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Their involvement is intended to support the infrastructure and coordination required for the proposed service. The Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur corridor is expected to serve as an initial step towards exploring the potential of cruise tourism in the national capital. Further details about the formal inauguration, confirmed operating hours and ticket-booking arrangements are awaited.