In a significant push for green mobility and urban tourism, senior officials from the Centre and the Delhi government on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project, slated to introduce recreational cruises and ferry services on the river.
The project, located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. It aims to transform a 6-7 km stretch of the Yamuna, designated as National Waterway 110, into a vibrant hub for eco-friendly travel and tourism.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who chaired the review with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, hailed the initiative as a milestone.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s waterways have witnessed a transformational revival after decades of neglect. Eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is a major milestone, paving the way for cleaner, greener and more efficient water transport,” Sonowal said.
The project will utilise electric-solar hybrid boats, each with a capacity for 30-40 passengers, equipped with life jackets and public announcement systems. Two floating jetties have already been installed at Sonia Vihar, with plans for on-shore amenities like parking and recreational spaces.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, backed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and key Delhi government departments.
Emphasising the broader vision, Sonowal added, “Beyond enabling cleaner modes of travel, this project will enhance the experience of residents and tourists alike by adding a unique river-cruise dimension to the Capital’s tourism landscape.”
Officials present stated that the project is expected to reshape Delhi’s tourism offerings, providing a new recreational experience while promoting sustainable river-based connectivity in the heart of the capital.
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