Rekha Gupta Launches Namo Yamuna River Safari in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched the Namo Yamuna River Safari, describing the new recreational cruise service as a fresh tourism experience for residents of the national capital.

The service has been developed along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna and forms part of efforts to promote river-based tourism and public recreation in Delhi.

Gupta Calls Safari a New Experience for Delhi

Speaking at the launch, Gupta said the initiative represented more than a simple cruise or boat ride.

She linked the project with what she described as Delhi’s cultural and spiritual connection with the Yamuna and invited families to experience the river and surrounding natural environment.

Gupta said:

“This initiative is about much more than just a cruise, a safari, or a boat ride.”

She said Delhi residents previously had to travel to other cities for comparable river-based recreational experiences.

Cruise Runs Between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur

The Namo Yamuna River Safari operates between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Reports from the launch put the route at roughly 5–6 km, with each round trip lasting around 35 to 45 minutes and a capacity of up to 30 passengers.

The service uses electrically powered vessels as part of an effort to promote cleaner and more sustainable inland-waterway tourism.

Recreational Facilities Developed Along Riverfront

The wider project includes several facilities intended to make the riverfront a family recreation destination.

These include:

• Food kiosks and restaurant facilities

• Children’s recreational areas

• Parks and seating spaces

• Musical fountain and light-based attractions

• Water-based recreational activities

• Visitor amenities

The facilities have been developed alongside the cruise service to encourage longer visits to the Yamuna riverfront.

Yamuna Designated as National Waterway-110

The Yamuna has been designated National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016.

The Centre says the cruise project demonstrates how part of the waterway can be used for recreational navigation and tourism alongside its broader transport potential.

Multiple Agencies Involved in Project

The project has been spearheaded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

It has been developed in collaboration with:

• Delhi Development Authority

• Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation

• Delhi Jal Board

• Irrigation and Flood Control Department

• Delhi government agencies

Trial runs were conducted in October before the formal launch.

Safety and Passenger Facilities Included

The vessels are equipped with safety arrangements including life jackets and public announcement systems.

Earlier project specifications also called for bio-toilets with zero discharge and passenger-comfort measures aboard the boats.

Tourism Push Along the Yamuna

Gupta said the project was intended to reconnect residents with the Yamuna while creating a new recreational destination in Delhi.

The Namo Yamuna River Safari is also expected to support tourism and local economic activity around the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch.

The project marks Delhi’s first dedicated recreational cruise service on the Yamuna and represents a new effort to integrate the river into the capital’s tourism landscape.