Yamuna River Cruises Launch in November, Boosting Eco-Tourism (1)
The capital is poised to launch its much-anticipated Yamuna River cruise services this November, operating a scenic eight-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. This pioneering initiative marks a strategic confluence of tourism promotion and vital river rejuvenation efforts, underscoring Delhi’s commitment to fostering sustainable urban development and responsible leisure. The introduction of eco-friendly vessels will offer residents and tourists a unique perspective of the city’s revitalised waterway, propelling the Yamuna’s transformation into a vibrant ecological and cultural asset.
The project is the culmination of a robust collaborative effort involving five key governmental agencies: the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalises their joint commitment. As part of this comprehensive plan, the DDA is tasked with allocating land for jetty construction, while the Irrigation and Flood Control Department will ensure navigational safety through aids and develop essential shore-based facilities, including vital charging infrastructure for the cruise vessels.
A cornerstone of this initiative is its strong environmental stewardship. The cruise boats are mandated to be no more than two years old, equipped with inboard bio-toilets ensuring zero discharge into the river, and fitted with public announcement systems and life jackets for passenger safety. Notably, earlier announcements signalled a strong preference for eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats, aligning with the vision for a zero-net carbon urban transport system. This commitment to sustainable operations is fundamental to the broader goal of cleaning and rejuvenating the Yamuna, transforming it into a vital component of Delhi’s eco-conscious future.
Beyond environmental benefits, the Yamuna cruise service is poised to significantly enhance Delhi’s leisure economy and urban liveability. It will offer novel recreational opportunities, potentially drawing substantial tourist footfall and fostering local employment across various sectors. The long-term vision extends to transforming the Yamuna ghats into lively cultural and artistic spaces, akin to the iconic ghats of Varanasi. This holistic approach aims to create more equitable cities by improving access to recreational and cultural amenities for all residents, thereby enriching the urban experience and fostering a stronger community connection with the river.
In its initial phase, plans are set to deploy two cruises, with officials anticipating a strong public response, particularly given the onset of the cooler winter months. While ticket pricing is yet to be finalised, the cruise operator will be obligated to maintain a minimum of four trips daily, ensuring consistent service. The operations will typically run during the summer, with suspensions during the monsoon season for safety. This new offering represents a critical step in redefining Delhi’s urban landscape, blending heritage with modern sustainability practices to unlock the full potential of the Yamuna River.
