Delhi Launches Namo Yamuna River Safari: All You Need To Know About The New Cruise

Delhi has a new way to spend an afternoon by the water. The capital’s first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna has been inaugurated at Sonia Vihar, introducing visitors to a different perspective of the river and its northern stretch. Called the Namo Yamuna River Safari, the service offers a 40-minute ride aboard an electric-powered vessel, with views of the river between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The initiative, launched by Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, on November 10, 2026, is part of a larger effort to develop river-based tourism in the capital. With air-conditioned seating, an open upper deck, and a recreational zone along the riverbank, the experience is designed to give families and visitors another reason to explore this part of Delhi.

Here is everything to know about the new Yamuna cruise, from ticket prices and timings to its route and booking details.

The Cruise Experience

The Namo Yamuna River Safari operates along a stretch of the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, upstream of the Wazirabad barrage. Covering approximately five to six kilometres, the ride takes around 40 minutes and offers passengers an opportunity to experience the river from the water. The service is intended to introduce recreational navigation to this section of the Yamuna while expanding Delhi's tourism offerings beyond its established monuments, markets, and cultural attractions.

The electric-powered vessel can accommodate up to 30 passengers per trip and has two decks, each offering a different way to enjoy the journey. The lower deck features an air-conditioned cabin with cushioned seating and round windows overlooking the river, making it suitable for warmer afternoons. The upper deck, meanwhile, is open along the sides and covered by a canopy, allowing passengers to enjoy the breeze and winter sunshine. The boats are also equipped with safety jackets, an announcement system, and inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge. The operator is required to maintain safety standards for passengers, crew members, and other river users, with at least four trips scheduled each day.

Tickets And Timings

A ticket for the Yamuna cruise costs INR 500 per person, with each ride lasting approximately 40 minutes. The service is expected to operate daily between 9 am and 9 pm, although visitors should check the latest departure schedules and availability before planning their visit. Tickets can be booked online through the official Delhi Tourism website. With a passenger capacity of 30 per trip, booking in advance is advisable, particularly for weekends and holidays.

There is also an option for visitors who want to explore the riverfront without taking the cruise. The recreational area near the jetty has a separate entry fee of INR 50. This makes the location accessible to those who would rather spend time enjoying its facilities than board the vessel. The operator is expected to increase the number of trips and introduce additional boats as the service develops. Operations may, however, be suspended during extreme summer conditions or floods, depending on river and weather conditions.

Beyond The River

The cruise is part of a broader plan to develop the Yamuna riverfront as a recreational destination. The area near the boarding jetty at Sonia Vihar includes food outlets, shopping spaces, a children's play zone, and gaming facilities. Visitors can also look forward to adventure activities such as skating and rock climbing. A musical fountain and an evening light-and-sound show are among the other attractions planned for the site. The proposed show will draw on stories associated with Lord Krishna and the Yamuna, including the Kaliya Daman episode. The Delhi government has also indicated plans to develop recreational facilities along a five- to seven-kilometre stretch of the riverfront.

The project has been developed through a collaboration involving the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism, and other government agencies. An agreement between the IWAI and Delhi government agencies was signed in March 2025 to develop cruise tourism along the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch. Trial runs of the vessel were subsequently conducted in October 2026, ahead of its inauguration.

The cruise operates on the northern stretch of the Yamuna, upstream of the Wazirabad barrage, where water quality is comparatively better than in several downstream sections of the river. This distinction is important, given the Yamuna's long-standing pollution concerns within Delhi. While the cruise introduces a new recreational use for the river, its larger potential will depend on sustained efforts to improve water quality and maintain the surrounding environment. For visitors, it offers a fresh addition to Delhi's weekend itinerary, combining a short river journey with food, family activities, and plans for a more developed riverfront.

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