Eco-friendly boats coming soon in Yamuna! Inland Waterways Authority, Delhi govt join hands to launch green cruises

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with multiple agencies of Delhi government, including the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to develop and boost cruise tourism on the four-km stretch on River Yamuna (National Waterway 110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

The initiative seeks to transform the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch into a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations. In a bid to ensure sustainable and non-polluting water transport, electric-solar hybrid boats—each capable of carrying 20-30 passengers—will be deployed as river cruise vessels. These boats will feature bio-toilets, public announcement systems, and life jackets for passenger safety.

Besides, IWAI will install two HDPE jetties to facilitate smooth ferry operations. The project is set to boost short-distance navigation and recreational activities on National Waterway 110 (NW-110), upstream of Wazirabad Barrage, while promoting green and sustainable tourism, the Union ports ministry said in a release. “Beyond strengthening inland water transport (IWT), the initiative is expected to redefine Delhi’s tourism landscape by offering eco-friendly travel experiences along the Yamuna.”

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the introduction of eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is yet another milestone transformational revival that India's inland waterways have been witnessing.

He said the MoU will pave the path for cleaner, greener, and more efficient waterways that will boost both connectivity and tourism in Delhi. “For years, the people of Delhi were saddened to see dirt and neglect floating on the Yamuna, but this initiative marks the beginning of a long-overdue correction. With the launch of these cruises, Delhiites along with scores of tourists, who flock to the capital, will once again fall in love with their river, experiencing its beauty in a way they never imagined,” the minister said.

“By developing cruise terminals and boosting river tourism on Ganga and Brahmaputra, IWAI is unlocking the potential of India's waterways. The partnership with the Delhi government will strengthen urban water transport, promote eco-friendly cruise tourism, and drive local economic growth while enhancing travel experiences,” the statement from the ministry read.

Maritime