Government Unveils 51 New Cruise Routes Nationwide in India, Spanning 14 States

Government Unveils 51 New Cruise Routes Nationwide in India, Spanning 14 States

**India's River Cruise Tourism on the Rise: Government Initiatives and Global Investments**

India's river cruise tourism sector is experiencing significant growth and is poised for major expansion by 2027. In the financial year 2024-25, the number of river cruise voyages on National Waterways rose to 443, marking a 19.4% increase from 371 voyages in 2023-24.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is at the forefront of this growth, working towards promoting river cruise tourism and developing a sustainable water transport system in India. The Cruise Bharat Mission, launched by the IWAI, aims to triple cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million by 2027.

The sector was minimal in 2013-14, with only 5 vessels operating on 3 waterways. By 2023-24, this number had grown to 371 voyages, and in 2024-25, it reached 443; 25 vessels operate on 13 national waterways. Notable flagship projects include the MV Ganga Vilas cruise, covering 3,200 km from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, and growing popular circuits like the Sundarbans, Brahmaputra, and Alappuzha.

The growth in the sector is fueled by government support, infrastructure improvements, and rising interest from global players. Viking Cruises is entering the market with the launch of the Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest river cruise ship built indigenously by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited, expected by late 2027 on National Waterway-2.

The government's Cruise Bharat Mission also aims to increase employment opportunities in the cruise industry, develop 51 new river cruise circuits on 47 national waterways across 14 states and three union territories, and upgrade cruise terminals, ports, and related infrastructure to promote eco-friendly tourism practices.

Four more cruise terminals are proposed to be developed in the northeast by 2027 at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan. IWAI has entered partnerships with the governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir for promoting cruise tourism on various national waterways.

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways plans to develop 51 new river cruise circuits on 47 national waterways across 14 states and three union territories by 2027. The sector aligns with national goals for sustainable transport and tourism, supporting employment and regional development.

With the entry of global operators, improved infrastructure, and government backing, India is set to become a prominent player on the global river cruise tourism map. The Cruise Bharat Mission and IWAI efforts aim to position India as a leading destination for river cruise tourism, attracting international investment and boosting the economy.

Operating in the growing river cruise tourism sector, global lifestyle changes and travel patterns have contributed to a surge in interest, with entities like Viking Cruises capitalizing on this by entering the Indian market with their eco-friendly cruise ships. The development of new cruise circuits and terminal infrastructure, as part of India's Cruise Bharat Mission and supported by partnerships with state governments, will further enhance the nation's reputation as a premier destination for sustainable and enjoyable river travel experiences.

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