Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Namo Yamuna River Safari in Delhi

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday launched the Namo Yamuna River Safari at Sonia Vihar in Delhi, describing the initiative as an outcome of the Centre’s wider push to develop India’s inland waterways.

Speaking at the launch, Sonowal stressed the importance of water to human life and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with placing greater focus on studying and developing the country’s waterways.

The recreational service has been developed along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna and is intended to promote river-based tourism in the national capital.

Sonowal Highlights Importance of Inland Waterways

Sonowal said water was fundamental to all living beings and argued that India’s rivers should also be viewed as important assets for mobility, tourism and economic activity.

He said Prime Minister Modi had encouraged greater research and development of inland waterways after assuming office.

The minister described the launch at Sonia Vihar as evidence of what he called the Prime Minister’s long-term vision for the sector.

Yamuna Safari Developed With Delhi Government Support

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 agencies including the:

• Delhi Development Authority

• Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation

• Delhi Jal Board

• Irrigation and Flood Control Department

Sonowal also acknowledged the support of the Delhi government and local community in making the project operational.

Cruise Operates Between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur

The Sarbananda Sonowal Yamuna Safari service runs along a stretch of roughly 5 km between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Each trip is expected to last around 40 minutes, with vessels able to carry up to 30 passengers.

The service has been designed as a recreational experience allowing residents and visitors to view parts of Delhi from the Yamuna.

Electric Vessels Used for Safari

The cruise vessels are electrically powered, supporting the government’s emphasis on cleaner and more sustainable water-based transport.

Safety arrangements include life jackets and public-address systems aboard the vessels.

Trial runs were successfully conducted in October before the formal launch.

Yamuna Is National Waterway-110

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

The waterway extends from Delhi towards Prayagraj, and the new recreational cruise uses a small section of it for tourism and navigation.

The government has positioned the project as an example of how inland waterways can support both recreational activity and sustainable mobility.

Sonowal Credits Modi’s Waterways Vision

During his remarks, Sonowal praised Modi’s leadership and said the Prime Minister had encouraged a systematic examination of India’s inland-waterway potential.

He described the success of the Sonia Vihar initiative as a reflection of that policy direction.

Those comments represent Sonowal’s assessment of the government’s record on inland waterways.

Delhi Gets New River-Tourism Attraction

The Namo Yamuna River Safari is Delhi’s first dedicated recreational cruise service on the Yamuna.

Officials expect it to add a new element to the capital’s tourism sector while encouraging residents to engage more closely with the river.

The initiative also reflects a broader effort to develop the Yamuna riverfront for tourism and recreation alongside ongoing environmental and infrastructure projects.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism

The Sarbananda Sonowal Yamuna Safari launch combines tourism promotion with the Centre’s strategy of expanding clean inland-waterway transport.

By using electric vessels and existing river infrastructure, authorities aim to demonstrate how urban waterways can support recreation while reducing dependence on conventional fuel-powered transport.