Come December, Delhi tourists can enjoy ‘eco-friendly’ cruises on the Yamuna

“To promote tourism, we also have plans to start cultural activities like traditional dance and singing… history of Delhi will also be narrated to entertain the passengers travelling in these cruises,” he said.

The boats will feature bio-toilets, public announcement systems, and life jackets for passenger safety.

A few months ago, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for National Waterways, also signed an MoU with the Delhi government, with an aim to develop and boost cruise tourism on National Waterway 110, the 4-km stretch on Yamuna.

According to the MoU, the IWAI will spearhead infrastructure development, including floating jetties, charging stations for hybrid boats, and navigational aids, while ensuring passenger safety, while DDA will provide land for shore-side facilities, last-mile connectivity, and public services such as electricity and restrooms. The DJB, meanwhile, will monitor water quality, manage the barrage for navigability, and facilitate drinking water supply and waste disposal.

Passengers will board and deboard at Sonia Vihar, said officials.

The BJP government has plans to run two boats on this stretch. It will launch the second one later.

“Our aim is to turn Delhi into a major tourist hub and give people a new experience of relaxation on the ghats and riverfront. The price of tickets are being decided. It will be reasonable for people to enjoy cruise tourism,” said the minister.

The Yamuna stretch from Jagatpur in Delhi to its confluence with the Ganges in Prayagraj — spanning 1,089 km across Delhi, Haryana, and UP — was declared National Waterway-110 in 2014.