India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Delhi residents may soon be able to explore the Yamuna from the water, with the Delhi government starting trial runs of its first river cruise, named ‘Namo Yamuna: River Safari’, on Monday, October 26.
The cruise is planned along a five kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Each ride is expected to take around 40 minutes, with tickets priced at Rs 500 per person. A cruise can accommodate up to 30 passengers.
Delhi government began trial runs for its ‘Namo Yamuna: River Safari’ cruise on October 26, announced by CM Rekha Gupta, covering a 5 km route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur with 40-minute, Rs 500 rides to boost tourism on the Yamuna (National Waterway 110).
The trial runs will continue for four to five days before the formal inauguration. The government is aiming to launch the service before Chhath Mahaparv, giving residents another way to spend time along the river with their families.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the start of the trial runs on social media. She also inspected the Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur route and asked officials to pay special attention to cleanliness, security and passenger convenience.
The trial period will help officials check the arrangements before the cruise is opened to the public. The government plans to complete the process in four to five days, although the formal launch date has not yet been announced.
The initiative is aimed at giving Delhi residents a new recreational option while encouraging tourism along the Yamuna. The actual launch will depend on the completion of the trials and the arrangements required to operate the service.
Namo Yamuna River Safari: Route, Ticket Price And Ride Duration
The proposed cruise will cover a five kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Passengers will be able to enjoy a short journey along the Yamuna, away from the usual road routes through the city.
Here are the key details of the service:
Name: Namo Yamuna: River Safari
Route: Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur
Distance: Around 5 km
Ride duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Ticket price: Rs 500 per person
Passenger capacity: Up to 30 people per cruise
Trial period: Four to five days
Expected launch: Before Chhath Mahaparv, subject to the completion of trials
The government has not yet announced the exact date of the formal inauguration. The service is expected to give both residents and tourists a new way to experience the Yamuna.
The river safari is part of a wider plan to promote river based tourism and inland water transport in Delhi. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is developing facilities along a six to seven kilometre round trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India has signed a memorandum of understanding with several Delhi government agencies to support cruise tourism. These include the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority, the Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.
The project plans to use electric solar hybrid boats to reduce the environmental impact of the service. The vessels are also expected to have basic safety facilities, including life jackets and public announcement systems.
The Yamuna is designated as National Waterway 110, which extends from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
The new river safari is expected to add another attraction to Delhi’s tourism offerings. However, its success will depend on more than the cruise experience itself. Clean surroundings, proper safety arrangements and convenient access will be important in encouraging people to use the service regularly.
