19.4% Rise in River Cruise Voyages; 51 New Circuits Planned by 2027 under Cruise Bharat Mission
#CruiseBharat #RiverCruiseIndia #MVGangaVilas #VikingBrahmaputra #InlandWaterways #IWAI #TourismGrowth #SustainableTourism #GreenVessels #WaterwaysDevelopment #SarbanandaSonowal #ModiGovernment #TravelIndia #CruiseTourism #NationalWaterways
New Delhi: India’s river cruise tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with the number of river cruise voyages on National Waterways increasing by 19.4%, from 371 voyages in 2023–24 to 443 voyages in 2024–25. This surge underscores the growing appeal of river cruises among both domestic and international tourists, as well as the efficiency and sustainability of inland water transport.
Adding to this momentum, Viking Cruises, a global leader in luxury river cruising, has announced its entry into the Indian market. The company will launch Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-passenger luxury vessel that will operate on National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River). The vessel, being indigenously developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, is expected to commence operations by late 2027, signaling the sector’s growing global significance.
Government Vision and Strategic Development
The growth of cruise tourism on India’s inland waterways aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Under their leadership, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been spearheading initiatives to modernize water-based transport and make river cruises a preferred tourism choice.
Over the last decade, the sector has transformed significantly. In 2013–14, there were only 5 cruise vessels operating on 3 waterways. By 2024–25, this has expanded to 25 vessels operating across 13 national waterways. This expansion reflects the government’s sustained investment in infrastructure, navigational safety, and terminal development.
Infrastructure Boost by IWAI
The IWAI has been focusing on creating a seamless cruising experience by upgrading infrastructure and operational logistics. Key measures include:
-
Development of modern on-shore and off-shore terminals for cruise ships.
-
Ensuring adequate depth in waterways through regular dredging and maintenance.
-
24-hour navigation aids and pilotage services to ensure safety and efficiency.
-
Passenger-friendly amenities at embarkation and disembarkation points.
These interventions have enhanced passenger comfort and confidence among cruise operators, leading to an upsurge in new cruise circuits and tourism initiatives.
MV Ganga Vilas: A Historic Milestone
One of the landmark moments in India’s river cruise tourism was the launch of MV Ganga Vilas by Prime Minister Modi in January 2023. This luxury cruise set a global record as the world’s longest river voyage, covering 3,200 km through 27 river systems across five Indian states and Bangladesh. The journey, which connected Varanasi to Dibrugarh, earned a prestigious place in the Limca Book of Records and put India’s river cruise potential on the global tourism map.
Other established cruise circuits such as the Sundarbans (West Bengal), Brahmaputra (Assam), and Alappuzha (Kerala) have also seen a significant increase in tourist footfall.
Cruise Bharat Mission: Ambitious Targets for 2027
To further accelerate this momentum, IWAI has launched the Cruise Bharat Mission, with plans to:
-
Develop 51 new cruise circuits across 47 National Waterways in 14 states and 3 Union Territories by 2027.
-
Increase annual river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million.
-
Upgrade and modernize cruise terminals, ports, and docking infrastructure.
-
Promote eco-friendly tourism by introducing green vessels and sustainable cruising practices.
-
Generate employment opportunities in cruise operations, hospitality, and allied services.
Collaborations with States for Regional Development
The IWAI has partnered with multiple state governments to expand cruise operations:
-
Agreements with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for cruise tourism on the Narmada River.
-
Partnership with the Delhi Government for ferry and cruise operations on the Yamuna River.
-
Tie-ups with Jammu & Kashmir Government to promote sustainable tourism on the Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab Rivers.
Upcoming Cruise Terminals and Projects
Several high-impact infrastructure projects are underway to strengthen the river cruise network:
-
Dedicated cruise terminals on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
-
New terminals at Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Patna.
-
Four additional terminals in Northeast India (Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan), targeted for completion by 2027.
These facilities will significantly improve passenger amenities, reduce operational bottlenecks, and encourage both domestic and international cruise operators to explore India’s waterways.
Future Outlook
With its rich cultural heritage, scenic river routes, and expanding infrastructure, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for river cruise tourism. The Cruise Bharat Mission is expected to triple tourist volumes, create thousands of jobs, and boost the local economies of states connected by inland waterways.
The entry of global brands like Viking Cruises, coupled with iconic voyages such as the MV Ganga Vilas, will elevate India’s image as a world-class river cruise destination. The next two years will see rapid infrastructure advancements, eco-friendly innovations, and greater private sector participation to meet the rising demand.
#CruiseBharat #RiverCruiseIndia #MVGangaVilas #VikingBrahmaputra #InlandWaterways #IWAI #TourismGrowth #SustainableTourism #GreenVessels #WaterwaysDevelopment #SarbanandaSonowal #ModiGovernment #TravelIndia #CruiseTourism #NationalWaterways
