Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launches Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari trial run before Chhath
Synopsis
Delhi’s first Yamuna River cruise is no longer just a proposal — trial runs are underway. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally inspected the 6-km route on Monday, targeting a launch before Chhath Puja in a move that blends riverfront tourism, cross-government cooperation, and a pointed signal about the Yamuna’s rehabilitation.
Key Takeaways
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the trial run of the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari on 26 October 2026 .
The cruise covers a 6-km route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur , with each ride lasting approximately 30 minutes .
The service is targeted for launch before Chhath Mahaparv ; tickets will be available on the Delhi Tourism website.
The project is a joint initiative of the Centre , DDA , Delhi government , and Delhi Tourism , developed in compliance with NGT norms.
Planned riverfront attractions include a musical fountain , water sports , a food park , and a children’s zone .
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday, 26 October 2026, launched the trial run of the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari, personally inspecting the 6-kilometre route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur to review preparations ahead of the service's planned launch before Chhath Mahaparv. The initiative marks Delhi's first dedicated Yamuna River cruise service, developed jointly by the Centre, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi government, and Delhi Tourism.
What Rekha Gupta Said
Sharing details on social media platform X, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The trial run of ‘Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari’ has begun. Today, an inspection of the 6-km route from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur was conducted, and preparations were reviewed. Instructions have been given to officials to pay special attention to cleanliness, security, and passenger convenience.”
Gupta added that the service would give residents of Delhi the opportunity to “visit Mother Yamuna with their families, enjoy a cruise ride, and get a new spot in the capital itself to celebrate a picnic.” She said the project would boost tourism, support local businesses, and create new employment opportunities.
Key Features of the Cruise Service
According to Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who was also present during the inspection, each cruise ride will last approximately 30 minutes, covering the stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Proposed attractions along the riverfront include a musical fountain depicting the story of Maa Yamuna, water sports facilities, a food park, and a dedicated children’s zone. Tickets for the service will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website, according to officials.
A Collaborative Model
Minister Mishra described the project as a showcase of cross-institutional cooperation, noting it was developed in adherence to standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and applicable environmental regulations. “This is a wonderful project that serves as an example of how setting aside political differences and working together can produce beautiful results,” Mishra said. The project’s joint ownership across the Centre, DDA, and the state government is notable given Delhi’s historically fractious inter-governmental landscape.
What Happens Next
The service is expected to be formally launched in the coming days, following the completion of trial runs. The target launch window — ahead of Chhath Puja — is strategically significant, as the festival draws millions of devotees to the Yamuna’s banks every year. If the service goes live on schedule, it would offer both a new tourism touchpoint and a symbolic statement about the river’s revitalisation under the current administration.
Point of View
With the Centre and DDA prominently co-credited, also signals a deliberate departure from the confrontational Centre-state dynamic that defined Delhi governance for the better part of a decade. Whether the Yamuna’s water quality will hold up to the scrutiny that a public cruise service inevitably invites remains the harder, unaddressed question.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari in Delhi?
The Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari is Delhi’s first Yamuna River cruise service, covering a 6-km route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur with each ride lasting about 30 minutes. It is a joint project of the Centre, DDA, Delhi government, and Delhi Tourism, developed in compliance with NGT environmental standards.
When will the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari launch officially?
The service is expected to launch formally before Chhath Mahaparv, following the completion of trial runs that began on 26 October 2026. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta personally inspected the route and said officials have been instructed to focus on cleanliness, security, and passenger convenience.
How can passengers book tickets for the Yamuna cruise?
According to officials, tickets for the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website. Further booking details are expected once the service is formally launched.
What attractions are planned along the Yamuna riverfront?
The riverfront is planned to feature a musical fountain depicting the story of Maa Yamuna, water sports facilities, a food park, and a dedicated children’s zone. The aim is to create a new recreational and tourism destination within the national capital.
Who are the agencies involved in the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari project?
The project is being implemented jointly by the Central government, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi government, and Delhi Tourism. Minister Kapil Mishra described it as an example of cross-institutional cooperation transcending political differences.
