Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and cabinet ministers Parvesh Verma and Kapil Mishra, on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the upcoming Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project.
The ministers and officials inspected key development works associated with the project, including jetty construction, safety mechanisms, passenger amenities, and progress on cruise route planning.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s waterways have witnessed a transformational revival after decades of neglect.”
He stated that the proposed eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna will be a milestone, paving the way for cleaner, greener and more efficient water transport that will boost connectivity and tourism. With eco-friendly boat services and modern passenger facilities, the Yamuna is set to emerge as a vibrant recreational corridor, he added.
Officials said the proposed project is advancing at a rapid pace with coordinated efforts between the Central Government, the LG’s office and the Delhi Government.
The Yamuna cruise service aims to strengthen water transport in Delhi, redefine tourism, boost economic activities, and support ongoing efforts for the rejuvenation of the river.
The project, which seeks to introduce recreational boat cruises and ferry services on the Yamuna for residents and visitors to the national capital, will be located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. It is expected to offer a new green tourism experience and enhance connectivity through eco-friendly river travel.
The project is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore.
As part of efforts to promote inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism, the MoPSW is developing facilities along a 6–7 km round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur areas in the national capital.
The initiative is also expected to generate employment, strengthen tourism-led businesses and enhance Delhi’s global identity.