Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a cruise service on the Yamuna at Sonia Vihar on Tuesday. Tickets cost Rs 500 for a 40-minute ride. The air-conditioned boats feature bio-toilets and carry 30 passengers. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the cruise would "bring people closer to the Yamuna" for family outings.

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Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday inaugurated a cruise service on the Yamuna at Sonia Vihar, with tickets priced at Rs 500 per person.

The project is meant to promote river tourism on the stretch of the Yamuna upstream of the Wazirabad barrage.

Cruise at a glance

Route: Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur, about 4-5 km

Ride duration: About 40 minutes

Ticket price: Rs 500 per person

Capacity: Up to 30 passengers per ride

Booking: Online, through the Delhi Tourism website

Trips: At least four a day

The air-conditioned boats will have on-board zero-discharge bio-toilets, an announcement system and life jackets. The boats, either leased or owned by the operator, cannot be more than two years old.

The operator will be responsible for running a safe, reliable and comfortable service, including the safety of passengers, crew and other river users.

Trial runs of the cruise vessel were held last month in the presence of senior officials from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Delhi government. IWAI and Delhi government agencies had signed an agreement in March 2025 to develop cruise tourism on the stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

‘Bring people closer to the Yamuna’

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the cruise would bring people closer to the Yamuna, giving Delhi residents a chance to enjoy experiences they often travel to other cities for.

She said recreational activities, including light-and-sound shows and the cruise, would give people a chance to spend quality time with their families.

Sonowal highlighted India’s progress in developing waterways over the past 12 years, and praised Gupta’s leadership, saying the capital was developing rapidly even though her government had been in office for a relatively short time.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Harsh Malhotra and other cabinet ministers were also present.