Delhi Launches Eco-Friendly Cruise Tourism Initiative
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various Delhi government agencies to promote cruise tourism along a four-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna River. The agreement, which includes collaboration with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), aims to enhance eco-friendly travel experiences in the capital. The initiative was officially launched at a ceremony attended by key government officials, including Delhi’s Lt. Governor and Union Ministers.
Key Figures Attend MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU signing took place at Asita Park, with prominent figures in attendance, including Delhi’s Lt. Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur, also graced the event. Senior officials from the IWAI and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways were present to witness the historic agreement aimed at revitalizing the Yamuna River.
During the ceremony, Minister Sonowal emphasized the transformative potential of India’s waterways under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership. He stated, “The introduction of eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is yet another milestone in this journey, paving the way for cleaner, greener, and more efficient waterways.” This initiative is expected to not only enhance connectivity but also rekindle the public’s affection for the river, which has long suffered from pollution and neglect.
Transforming the Yamuna into a Cruise Hub
The IWAI’s initiative seeks to convert the Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna into a vibrant hub for eco-friendly cruise operations. To achieve this, electric-solar hybrid boats will be deployed, each capable of accommodating 20-30 passengers. These vessels will be equipped with bio-toilets, public announcement systems, and life jackets to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
Additionally, the IWAI plans to install two HDPE jetties to facilitate seamless ferry operations. This project aims to enhance short-distance navigation and recreational activities on National Waterway 110 (NW-110), located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage. By promoting green tourism, the initiative is set to redefine Delhi’s tourism landscape, offering unique travel experiences along the Yamuna River.
Broader Implications for India’s Waterways
The Yamuna stretch from Jagatpur to its confluence with the Ganges at Prayagraj, spanning 1,089 kilometers across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, was designated as National Waterway-110 in 2014. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister Sonowal, the IWAI has been spearheading infrastructural advancements to develop waterways as a vital growth engine.
With projects extending from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir to Kerala, the IWAI is enhancing various national waterways with new terminals, fairways, and navigation aids. The Authority is committed to sustainability, as demonstrated by the introduction of electric catamarans in cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya, with plans for additional vessels in Mathura and Guwahati.
By fostering cruise tourism on the Ganga and Brahmaputra, the IWAI aims to unlock the full potential of India’s waterways. The partnership with the Delhi government is expected to strengthen urban water transport, promote eco-friendly tourism, and stimulate local economic growth while enhancing travel experiences for residents and visitors alike.
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