Delhi Advances Plans For Yamuna Boat Tourism And Ferry Corridor

Delhi’s effort to open the Yamuna to public use and regular river transport advanced this week, as senior Union and Delhi officials reviewed progress on a proposed boat tourism and ferry corridor. The project, which includes recreational cruises and low-emission ferry services, is intended to activate a largely unused stretch of the river and develop it as both a mobility route and a public leisure space.

A Coordinated Push For River-Based Mobility

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entered into a formal partnership with several Delhi government agencies to deliver the scheme. The collaboration includes the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority, the Delhi Jal Board, and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation—marking one of the most coordinated efforts yet to develop the Yamuna’s riverfront.

The Yamuna River, designated as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), extends for 1,080 kilometres, running from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

The project covers a 6–7 km stretch upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, forming part of National Waterway 110, which runs from Delhi to Prayagraj. With a projected investment of INR 20 crore, the plan aims to introduce leisure cruises and short-haul ferries designed to improve connectivity while drawing more visitors to the river.

Infrastructure Underway And Launch Plans

Work on the physical infrastructure has already begun. Two floating jetties—each capable of handling up to 50 passengers—have been installed at Sonia Vihar. The fleet will include electric–solar hybrid vessels carrying 30–40 passengers, supported by parking areas and small recreational spaces along the banks. The river cruises are expected to give travellers a quieter, cleaner way to experience Delhi’s riverbanks and the landscape around the upper Yamuna, an area slated for new visitor facilities once services begin.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible waterways. Once operational, the Yamuna services are expected to improve mobility in north-east Delhi, stimulate tourism, and establish a new set of river-based recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Rising Momentum In India’s River Cruise Tourism

According to reports, the Union Government has announced plans to develop 51 new cruise circuits across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027 under the Cruise Bharat Mission. Signalling growing interest and investment in India’s river cruise sector, Viking Cruises has confirmed its entry into the Indian market, with the Viking Brahmaputra—an 80-guest vessel—set to begin operations in late 2027, an official statement noted.

India’s river cruise tourism industry is experiencing robust expansion, with the number of cruise voyages on national waterways increasing from 371 in 2023–24 to 443 in 2024–25. This 19.4 per cent rise highlights the sector’s growing appeal and improved operational capacity. What began with just five vessels operating on three waterways in 2013–14 has now grown to 25 vessels across 13 national waterways in 2024–25.

To support this momentum, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is developing dedicated cruise terminals along the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. New terminals are planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Patna, enhancing infrastructure and enabling smoother, more efficient cruise operations.

FAQs

What is the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Project?
It is a Delhi-based initiative to introduce eco-friendly river cruises and ferry services along a 6–7 km stretch of the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Which organisations are involved in implementing the project?
The IWAI has signed an MoU with Delhi’s Irrigation & Flood Control Department, DDA, Delhi Jal Board, and DTTDC.

What type of boats will be used?
Electric-solar hybrid boats carrying 30–40 passengers will be introduced to promote green and pollution-free mobility.

Where exactly will the cruise operations take place?
The cruises will operate upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, along National Waterway 110.

How long is the cruise stretch on the Yamuna?
The cruise stretch covers approximately 6–7 km, with a dedicated 4 km segment specifically planned for cruise operations.