Delhi is set to introduce an electric-powered cruise service on the Yamuna River by December 2025. The initiative aims to offer residents and tourists a sustainable, zero-emission transport and leisure experience while re-establishing a long-lost connection with the city’s historic river.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), in collaboration with the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), has taken charge of executing the project. Two floating jetties are under construction at Sonia Vihar, located upstream from Wazirabad, on one of the Yamuna’s cleaner stretches. These jetties—each capable of handling 50 passengers—will serve as departure and arrival points for the cruise, which will operate along a four-kilometre route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.The choice of electric boats underscores the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while enhancing tourism infrastructure. The vessels are expected to be procured within the next four months, with an operator already selected by DTTDC through a competitive process. A formal memorandum of understanding is being finalised to define operational terms and revenue-sharing mechanisms between the public agencies and the cruise operator.
Crucially, the project complies with strict environmental regulations laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which restricts permanent construction along riverbanks. To this end, the jetties are being built using container modules, ensuring minimal ecological disturbance and maximum mobility. IWAI has already secured necessary permissions from the NGT, enabling swift progress on-site.Beyond its functional aspect, the cruise experience is designed to be culturally immersive. A theme-based musical water projection show is planned in the middle of the river, showcasing Delhi’s rich historical tapestry, India’s classical dance forms, and the spiritual significance of the Yamuna itself. The show is expected to become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recently reviewed the project’s progress in a meeting attended by key officials from IWAI, DDA, DJB, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and DTTDC. Land has already been earmarked by DDA for shore-side infrastructure, including a maintenance site for the boats and support facilities for visitors. The on-ground infrastructure will feature ticketing counters, shaded waiting areas, sanitation units, and other passenger services to ensure a smooth experience.This initiative is not just about offering a leisure service but is emblematic of a deeper transformation in Delhi’s approach to urban sustainability. After decades of pollution and encroachment, the Yamuna is being reimagined not merely as a water body, but as a civic space that holds ecological, recreational, and cultural value.
The coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies have also highlighted what timely inter-departmental collaboration can achieve. Officials note that the current administration moved the project forward within three months—despite it being stalled for over a year under the previous setup—demonstrating the power of focused governance in delivering eco-sensitive infrastructure.
In the months ahead, Delhi’s residents can expect to witness a unique convergence of history, heritage, and sustainability as the capital’s iconic river prepares to host its first green cruise. This initiative may well serve as a replicable model for other Indian cities seeking to reclaim and revitalise their urban water bodies.
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