Electric Solar-Hybrid River Cruises To Soon Operate On Yamuna In Delhi Between Sonia Vihar And Jagatpur—What You Need To Know

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with multiple Delhi government agencies to develop cruise tourism along a four-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna River between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

The agreement involves key Delhi government departments, including the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Asita Park, was attended by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal.

Senior officials, including MoPSW Secretary T K Ramachandran and IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, were also present.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the government's commitment to reviving India's waterways.

“The introduction of eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is yet another milestone in this journey, paving the way for cleaner, greener, and more efficient waterways that will boost both connectivity and tourism in the heart of Delhi,” he said.

"For years, the people of Delhi were saddened to see dirt and neglect floating on the Yamuna, but this initiative marks the beginning of a long-overdue correction. With the launch of these cruises, Delhiites along with scores of tourists, who flock to the capital, will once again fall in love with their river, experiencing its beauty in a way they never imagined," Sonowal added.

According to a Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways statement, the initiative aims to transform the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi into a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations.

To ensure sustainable and non-polluting water transport, electric-solar hybrid boats—each capable of carrying 20-30 passengers—will be deployed as river cruise vessels. These boats will feature bio-toilets, Public Announcement systems, and life jackets for passenger safety.

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

IWAI will also install two HDPE jetties to support ferry operations. The project is expected to enhance short-distance navigation and recreational activities while promoting sustainable tourism on National Waterway 110 (NW-110).

This comes as the BJP-led Delhi government has intensified efforts to clean the Yamuna.

Last week, Delhi irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma inspected the river by boat and reviewed the progress made since the new government was sworn in.

The minister said that over 1,300 tonnes of waste have been removed from the heavily polluted river.

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