Delhi is set to introduce a new ferry service on the Yamuna River ahead of the Chhath Puja festival, which runs from November 13 to 16. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the “Namo Yamuna” ferry service aims to enhance the Chhath celebrations by providing a unique way to experience the river. The service will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, offering passengers picturesque views of the ghats and the natural landscape along a five-kilometer stretch of the river.
During a recent inspection at Sonia Vihar Sports Club, Gupta visited Sur Ghat, the site for Chhath festivities, which is being developed into a family-friendly picnic destination. The ferry service was initially slated for a February launch but was delayed due to incomplete project work. With the new timetable, the service is expected to be operational just in time for the festival.
The ferry, named Island Boats 40 (IB 40), is built by Inspiration Marine Pvt Ltd from Mumbai. It features a 40-foot catamaran-style hull, designed for stability in the shallow stretches of the Yamuna. The ferry will include facilities such as jetties for boarding, ticket counters, and waiting areas, aiming to provide a convenient and enjoyable experience for passengers.
Tickets for the one-hour cruise are anticipated to cost around ₹500 per person. This initiative not only aims to boost tourism and recreational activities along the Yamuna but also to allow visitors to connect with the river during the spiritually significant Chhath Puja.