NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, inspected the capital’s first-ever Namo Yamuna River Safari ahead of its proposed soft launch before Chhath, describing it as a new experience for residents and a potential family picnic destination.During the inspection, Gupta said the government planned to inaugurate the river safari before Chhath and expressed hope that it would offer visitors a peaceful experience on the Yamuna, news agency ANI reported.“We plan to inaugurate this before the festival of Chhath. It will be a special experience for the people of Delhi. Just like how when we visit other cities and travel by boat along the Ganga, the Yamuna, or any other river, we experience a sense of peace, in the same way, while taking this ‘Yamuna Safari’ on Mother Yamuna, people will find peace and be able to seek her blessings.”Highlighting the project’s potential as a family-friendly recreational destination, the chief minister said it was being developed with consideration for the natural environment and the cleanliness of the Yamuna.“Families will come here; it is being developed into a beautiful picnic spot while keeping nature in mind and ensuring the cleanliness of Mother Yamuna as residents utilise it. This is a major achievement for Delhi and a source of happiness for the people,” She added.Gupta also congratulated the Central Government, the Delhi administration, the tourism department and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for their collective efforts in developing the project, ANI reported.The soft launch of the Namo Yamuna River Safari is set to begin today, with the Delhi government initiating trial runs.The 5km route from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur will offer 40-minute rides at Rs 500 per person, with each cruise accommodating up to 30 passengers.Tickets for the river safari will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website, an official said, adding that the service aims to offer residents and tourists a new way to experience the city and its riverfront, news agency PTI reported.In March 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Delhi government agencies signed an agreement to develop cruise tourism along a four-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.The boats will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, an announcement system and safety jackets.The operator will be responsible for providing a safe, reliable and comfortable cruise service and ensuring the safety of all passengers, crew members and other river users, PTI reported.The air-conditioned boats may be leased or owned but must not be more than two years old. The operator will also be required to ensure a minimum of four trips per day.The service will undergo trial runs for four to five days before its formal inauguration, ANI reported.(With agency inputs)
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