Yamuna river boat ride for Rs 500: Delhi govt plans launch before Chhath; 5 km cruise for 40 minutes inside air-conditioned room for 30 passengers

Delhi is getting its first ever river safari on the Yamuna, and the soft launch is just around the corner. Chief minister Rekha Gupta inspected the project on Sunday ahead of its planned launch before Chhath. Here is everything you need to know.

Namo Yamuna River Safari is a cruise service on the Yamuna river in Delhi. It will run along a 5km stretch from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur. Each ride lasts 40 minutes and accommodates up to 30 passengers per boat. Ticket price is Rs 500 per person. Tickets will be available online through Delhi Tourism’s website.

CM Rekha Gupta, accompanied by minister Kapil Mishra, called it a new experience for Delhi residents. She compared it to boat rides on the Ganga in other cities and said people would find peace on the Yamuna through this. She also described it as a major achievement for Delhi.

The soft launch begins with trial runs starting today. The government plans to formally inaugurate it before the Chhath festival. Trial runs are expected to go on for four to five days before the official launch. The aim is to have families use it as a weekend picnic destination ahead of the festive season.

The air-conditioned boats will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, safety jackets and an announcement system. Boats must not be more than two years old and can be either leased or owned by the operator. A minimum of four trips per day is required from the operator.

In March 2025, Inland Waterways Authority of India and Delhi government agencies signed an agreement to develop cruise tourism along this stretch. Gupta credited Central Government, Delhi administration, Delhi Tourism and Delhi Development Authority for their collective work in making the project a reality.Inputs from agencies.