New Delhi: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project on Tuesday, an initiative that aims to introduce boat cruises and ferry services for residents and visitors in Delhi.

The project site lies upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. According to an official statement, the initiative is expected to offer a green tourism experience while improving connectivity through eco-friendly river travel. The estimated project cost is Rs 20 crore.

The River Yamuna, notified as National Waterway 110, covers 1,080 kilometres from Jagatpur in Delhi to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. As part of efforts to promote inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is developing facilities along a 6–7 km round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

After reviewing on-ground work, Sonowal said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on developing sustainable and modern waterways. He said, “Eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is a major milestone, paving the way for cleaner, greener and more efficient water transport that will boost connectivity and tourism in the heart of Delhi”.

The corridor is planned as a hub for cruise operations using electric-solar hybrid boats that can carry 30 to 40 passengers. The vessels will be equipped with safety gear including life jackets and public announcement systems.

India currently has 111 national waterways spanning 20,187 kilometres across 23 states and four Union Territories. Thirty-two waterways are operational for shipping and navigation, with the target set at 76 by 2027. Cargo movement on national waterways stood at a record 146 million tons between April 2024 and March 2025.

BI Bureau