Yamuna Safari May Open Before Chhath Puja, Marking a New Chapter in Delhi’s Tourism and Culture
Yamuna Tourism to Get a New Dimension, Efforts to Protect and Revive the River to Gain Momentum: CM Rekha Gupta
Project Taking Shape Through Joint Efforts of the Centre and Delhi Government: Kapil Mishra
New Delhi, October 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday conducted a trial run and inspected the cruise service being developed on the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. She received a detailed briefing from officials on the project's progress, operational arrangements and facilities being developed for passengers. The Chief Minister said Delhi shares a deep emotional and cultural bond with the Yamuna. The launch of Yamuna Safari will give this bond a new dimension while opening up fresh opportunities for tourism and recreation in the capital.
She said the government plans to formally launch Yamuna Safari before Chhath Puja so that Delhi residents can enjoy this unique experience. Just as boating on rivers in other cities offers people a chance to unwind and get closer to nature, residents of Delhi will also be able to enjoy a cruise while taking in the sights of the Yamuna. The initiative is an important step towards developing an attractive tourism destination for families. She stressed that while tourism facilities are being developed, equal attention must be paid to keeping the Yamuna clean and protecting the environment. Delhi Tourism Minister Shri Kapil Mishra and officials from the departments concerned were present on the occasion.
Yamuna Safari to Boost Tourism and Employment
The Chief Minister said the cruise service, being developed along an approximately six-kilometre waterway between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, will open up new tourism opportunities in Delhi. It is expected to boost local economic activity and create new employment opportunities. Facilities along the river are being developed to turn the area into an attractive tourism and recreation destination for Delhi residents. The project includes food kiosks, a restaurant, a kids' zone and other essential public amenities for visitors.
Cruise to Accommodate 30 Passengers, Journey to Take 45 Minutes
During the inspection, officials informed the Chief Minister that preparations were under way to operate a cruise with a capacity of 30 passengers on the route. The round trip from Sonia Vihar to the Shani Temple in Jagatpur and back is expected to take around 35 to 45 minutes. Passengers will enjoy a boat ride along the designated route and return to their starting point at the end of the journey. The trial run is planned to continue for about a week, followed by preparations for a formal launch in the first week of November. An official announcement will be made once the final date is decided. Under the proposed arrangements, the entry fee for the premises has been set at ₹50, while the proposed fare for a complete cruise trip is ₹500.
Initiative Takes Shape Through Coordination Among Central and Delhi Government Agencies
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the departments concerned in the Central and Delhi governments in helping bring the project to fruition. She said better coordination among various agencies was creating new tourism opportunities in the capital. The agencies involved in the project include the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and Delhi Jal Board.
Preparations for Yamuna River Safari and Grand Chhath Puja Gather Pace
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra described Yamuna River Safari as a remarkable project being realised through the joint efforts of the Central government, DDA, Delhi government and Delhi Tourism. With boat rides, a musical fountain, water sports and a food park, the project will offer Delhi residents and tourists an enjoyable river experience. He said all National Green Tribunal (NGT) requirements and environmental standards had been followed. He said the Chief Minister had announced that the facility would be opened to the public before Chhath Puja. Preparations are also under way for grand Chhath Puja celebrations along the Yamuna this year.
