Cruise Services To Commence On Delhi's Yamuna River By 2025 End

The newly formed government in the union territory of Delhi has announced plans to launch an eco-friendly cruise service along the Yamuna to boost river tourism in India. The plan will see the development of a seven km stretch from the Wazirabad barrage (Sonia Vihar) to Jagatpur (Shani temple).

The city government has also begun preparations for setting up cruise rides on the Yamuna River, with plans to roll out ferries and boat taxi services soon.

The Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) is understood to have already issued a request for quotation (RFQ) for engaging a private operator to run solar battery-powered cruises on the stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. They have also invited proposals from private players with prior experience in cruise travel for kicking off cruise services on the Yamuna.

Ferry Boats In Yamuna To Be Powered By Non-Fossil Fuels

According to the proposal, the project will see active collaboration between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the DTTDC, the irrigation as well as flood control departments.

Once operational, the cruise service will see bustling tourism activity on the river. Reports suggest that the project could see the light of day as early as April 2025—the deadline for finalising the operating agency—while the cruise service is expected to kick-start by the end of the year.

Initially, two electric-solar hybrid boats will be deployed for the ferry service, with an accommodation capacity of about 20-30 passengers. The air conditioned boats will operate throughout the year, barring the monsoon season.

In the past few years, the Yamuna River, particularly its Delhi stretch, has been increasingly scrutinised for its frothy and toxic water.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)