Cruise Bharat Mission: Steering India's Inland Waterway Tourism Boom

The Union government has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce 51 new cruise circuits across 14 states and three Union Territories under the Cruise Bharat Mission by 2027. This move is aimed at boosting the river cruise tourism sector, which has shown remarkable growth in recent years, the official statement mentioned.

Adding to the momentum, Viking Cruises has announced its foray into India's river cruise market with the launch of the Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel scheduled to begin operations in 2027. Developed indigenously by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, this ship will operate on National Waterway-2, highlighting the growing interest and investment in India's cruising industry.

River cruise tourism in India is on an upward trajectory, with voyages on National Waterways rising from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25, a 19.4% increase. This expansion has been marked by the growth in cruise operations from five vessels on three waterways in 2013-14 to 25 vessels on 13 waterways in 2024-25. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is also setting up dedicated cruise terminals on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers to further support this trend.

(With inputs from agencies.)