DELHI, GET READY TO SAIL! Govt To Launch Yamuna River Cruise Soon

New Delhi: The BJP government in Delhi, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has indeed been taking several steps to transform the national capital and one such initiative is the cleaning of the Yamuna River, where machines have been deployed to improve water quality. Now, in addition to cleaning efforts, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has announced plans to launch a cruise service between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, the move aimed to revitalise the Yamuna River and promote water tourism in the area.

According to the officials, the proposed cruise service will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the river but also provide a unique experience for tourists. The Yamuna Water Taxi Project is another related initiative that has been conceived as an integrated development project. It combines terminal development and vessel operation, covering a total length of 16 km along the Yamuna River in Delhi.

The Delhi government officials stated that the project aimed to develop a 6 km stretch of the river, from the Wazirabad barrage in Sonia Vihar to the Shani Temple in Jagatpur, for cruise operations catering to tourists. These projects showcase the BJP-led Delhi government's commitment to transforming Delhi and restoring the Yamuna River to its former glory.

The Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) has issued a request for quotation (RFQ) to engage a suitable operator to run two solar or electric battery-powered cruises on the identified river stretch. The selected operator will be responsible for providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable cruise service, ensuring the safety of all passengers, crew, and other river users.

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Project Details and Implementation

As per information, the DTTDC will engage the operator for the cruise services, which will start and finish at Sonia Vihar, covering a total round trip of 7 to 8 km. The project will be implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in association with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the irrigation and flood control department. The latter will provide floating jetties and a navigational aids shore facility with charging infrastructure for the cruises.

About Cruise Services

According to the officials, the selected operator will initially provide two electric-solar hybrid boats for operating the ferry services. These boats will have a seating capacity of 20-30 passengers and a speed of five to seven knots. Additionally, the boats will be equipped with inboard bio-toilets, with zero discharge, an announcement system, and safety jackets. The air-conditioned boats will be leased or owned and not less than two years old.

Further, the operator will ensure a minimum of four trips by the vessels and provide a safe and comfortable cruise service. The operator will also be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the boats, as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and laws.

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Boost To River-Cruise Tourism

The cruise service project in the Yamuna River is expected to boost river-cruise tourism in Delhi, offering an environment-friendly and sustainable water-transport project. The coordinated efforts of the IWAI, DDA, DJB, DTTDC, and the irrigation and flood control department will ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. The officials stated that the government is working on the various aspects of the project to ensure its implementation in the national capital as soon as possible.