In six months, take a ferry ride on the Yamuna in Delhi
L-G V K Saxena said, “The Ministry has been working on this for more than a year. I also held various meetings with officials, ministers and chief ministers of the then Delhi government, but this was not possible"
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A four- to six-km stretch of the river, from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur, will be developed for the ferry services (Archives)In the next six months, Delhiites might be able to take a ferry ride on the Yamuna in the city. A four- to six-km stretch of the river, from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur, will be developed for the ferry services by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with various Delhi government departments, according to an agreement signed on Tuesday.
The IWAI, an agency under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delhi government’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Tourism and Transport Development (DTTDC) to develop the river stretch for cruise tourism.
L-G V K Saxena said, “The Ministry has been working on this for more than a year. I also held various meetings with officials, ministers and chief ministers of the then Delhi government, but this was not possible. This project, which was so important for Delhi, was held up due to negative politics and was stalled. Two years ago, to make the Yamuna navigable, I requested an Indian Navy boat and tried to make it operational in Yamuna. The then CM went to the Supreme Court and all those services were stopped.”
This is expected to promote short-distance navigation and recreational activities, particularly in National Waterway 110 (River Yamuna from Jagatpur (Delhi) to Sangam in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)) stretch upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage.
Saxena, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were present at the signing of the MoU at DDA’s East Asita Park.
The initiative will focus on eco-friendly cruise operations, featuring electric-solar hybrid boats designed to carry 20-30 passengers at a time.
These boats will be equipped with bio-toilets, public announcement systems, and life jackets to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience. Additionally, two HDPE jetties (a floating structure made from plastic material) will be installed for smooth ferry operations, a statement from the IWAI said.
As per the MoU:
– The IWAI will spearhead infrastructure development, including floating jetties, charging stations for hybrid boats, and navigational aids, while ensuring passenger safety.
– DDA will provide land for shore-side facilities, last-mile connectivity, and public services such as electricity and restrooms.
– DJB will monitor water quality, manage the barrage for navigability, and facilitate drinking water supply and waste disposal.
– The I&FCD will maintain embankments, grant access to approach roads, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
– The DTTDC will oversee boat operations, engage operators, and ensure compliance with inland vessel regulations to promote tourism.
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