New Delhi, 09 November (H.S.): Delhi is set to introduce a new attraction to its tourism landscape with the launch of the Yamuna River Cruise Service on Tuesday, ahead of the Chhath festival. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the service at a ceremony to be held at Sonia Vihar.

The event will be attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Ministers of State Shantanu Thakur and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, among other dignitaries.

It may be recalled that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a trial run of the cruise service on October 26, travelling from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur. The service is being developed along an approximately six-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna between the two locations and is expected to open up new opportunities for tourism in the national capital.

The initiative is expected to stimulate local economic activity and generate fresh employment opportunities. Facilities along the riverfront are also being developed to transform the area into an attractive destination for tourism and recreation for Delhi residents.

As part of the project, several visitor amenities are being provided, including food kiosks, restaurants, a dedicated children's play zone and other essential public facilities.

The cruise vessel, which currently has a passenger capacity of 30, will operate between Sonia Vihar and the Shani Temple at Jagatpur. The complete round trip is expected to take approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Under the proposed fare structure, visitors will be charged an entry fee of Rs. 50 for access to the premises, while the proposed ticket price for a complete cruise journey has been fixed at Rs. 500.

The project involves several agencies, including the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar