New Delhi: Delhi is set to introduce its first recreational river cruise service on the Yamuna, adding a new tourism attraction to the national capital. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the service on November 10, 2026, at Sonia Vihar.
The launch will take place in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The cruise service is being developed along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna, with the aim of offering residents and visitors a new way to experience the river.
The initiative is also expected to showcase the potential of inland waterways for recreational navigation and sustainable urban transport.
Electric-Powered Vessels to Drive the Cruise Service
The recreational cruise project is designed to provide visitors with a river-based experience while promoting cleaner modes of navigation.
Read Also: Amit Shah Launches ₹8,941-Crore Yamuna Projects, Sets May 2029 Deadline for River Cleanup
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the service will use electric-powered cruise vessels, highlighting the potential of inland waterways as an environment-conscious mobility and tourism option.
Trial runs of the cruise vessel were successfully conducted last month in the presence of senior officials from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Delhi Government.
The launch is expected to increase public engagement with the Yamuna and create another recreational option for people in the National Capital Region.
Yamuna’s National Waterway Status
The Yamuna has been designated as National Waterway-110 (NW-110) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
The development of the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch for recreational navigation marks an effort to utilise this waterway for tourism and related activities.
The project is being spearheaded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in coordination with several Delhi Government agencies.
Agencies Involved in the Project
The recreational cruise service is being developed through collaboration between the following organisations:
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): The implementing agency under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA): Partnering in the development initiative.
- Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC): Associated with the tourism-related aspects of the project.
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB): Part of the inter-agency coordination.
- Irrigation and Flood Control Department: Representing the Delhi Government in the project.
Union and Delhi Government Leaders to Attend Inauguration
Several Union and Delhi Government representatives are scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony at Sonia Vihar.
The attendees are expected to include:
- Sarbananda Sonowal: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
- Rekha Gupta: Chief Minister of Delhi.
- Shantanu Thakur: Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Harsh Malhotra: Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
- Parvesh Sahib Singh: Delhi Minister for Public Works and Irrigation and Flood Control.
- Kapil Mishra: Delhi Tourism Minister.
- Manoj Tiwari: Member of Parliament.
The launch is part of the broader effort to develop inland waterways as an additional component of urban tourism and mobility infrastructure.
