Cruise Bharat Mission: India To Launch 51 River Cruise Circuits By 2027
The mission focuses on upgrading cruise terminals, ports, and related infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly tourism practices using green vessels, and creating numerous employment opportunities in the cruise industry in the coming two years.
The river cruise tourism sector in India has witnessed notable growth, with the number of river cruise voyages on National Waterways increasing from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25. This 19.4 per cent growth underscores the rising appeal and operational efficiency of river cruises in India's inland waterways.
Cruise Tourism on National Waterways Gains Momentum with Infrastructure Boost National Waterways rise by 19.4% in 2024–25; 51 new cruise circuits planned across 14 states and 3 UTs by 2027 under Cruise Bharat Mission
Read here: https://t.co/qQGKDxNWmC@shipmin_india pic.twitter.com/pkOyZPepQI — PIB India (@PIB_India) July 21, 2025
Adding to this momentum, Viking Cruises has announced its entry into India's river cruise market with Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel scheduled to begin operations in late 2027, signalling heightened interest and investment in India's river cruise tourism sector.
Viking Brahmaputra, to be indigenously developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, will operate on National Waterway-2. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is making strides in promoting river cruise tourism and developing sustainable water transport system in India.
The sector has witnessed exceptional growth over the last 11 years. From just five vessels on three waterways in 2013–14, river cruise operations have expanded to 25 vessels across 13 national waterways in 2024–25.
IWAI has recently signed agreements with several state governments to promote cruise tourism on National Waterways, including partnerships with the governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for cruise tourism on River Narmada, with the Delhi government for operating ferries and cruises on the Yamuna River, and with the government of Jammu and Kashmir for sustainable tourism on the Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.
Besides, IWAI is developing dedicated cruise terminals on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, with three cruise terminals planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Patna. In the northeast, four more cruise terminals at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are proposed to be developed by 2027.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
38 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Gujarat approves action plan for Artificial Intelligence implementation in governance
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved the Action Plan for Implementation of Artificial Intelligence [AI] (2025–2030), setting the stage for the integration of AI into Gujarat's governance framework over the next five years. The plan aims to improve service delivery, strengthen administrative processes, and apply AI tools in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance. This move aligns with the broader goals of Viksit Gujarat@2047 and the national mission of Viksit Bharat@2047, officials said. Prepared by the Department of Science and Technology based on recommendations from a 10-member AI Taskforce Committee, the plan will serve as a roadmap to equip government departments with AI systems and capabilities. It also supports the Centre's broader objective, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to expand the use of artificial intelligence in public policy, administration, and digital infrastructure. The State's action plan focuses on six major areas: building a secure and regulation-compliant data ecosystem; expanding GPU and cloud-based digital infrastructure, including setting up AI factories in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities; training 2.5 lakh individuals—students, MSMEs, and government officials—in AI, machine learning, and related technologies; promoting research and partnerships between academia and industry for building practical government-use AI models; supporting DeepTech startups with incubation, mentorship, and funding; and ensuring safe and responsible AI through audit systems, guidelines, and risk protocols. Implementation will be carried out in phases, starting with the creation of a State-level AI data repository, setting up AI development facilities, and launching pilot projects in selected departments. To oversee the entire effort, the Government will establish a dedicated AI and Deep Tech Mission. This institutional mechanism will lead the design, planning, and monitoring of AI projects while facilitating collaboration between academic institutions, industry players, and startups. Gujarat has already taken steps to strengthen its AI foundation, including the launch of an AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, the organisation of AI training programmes for public officials, and the issuance of an Expression of Interest for developing Indian language-based AI models. The state has also conducted an AI Innovation Challenge to encourage practical solutions.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Not just bricks & stones: PM Modi lauds defiance legacy of Bundelkhand forts
Kanpur: In his 124th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the historical pride of Bundelkhand forts, saying they are symbols of cultural pride and resistance to foreign invasions. Celebrating Bundelkhand's historical legacy, he said: "These forts are not just bricks and stones, but a symbol of our culture, pride and values." Evoking national pride, Modi made a special mention of the Kalinjar Fort located on the Vindhya mountain range in Banda district, explaining how Mahmud of Ghazni attacked it multiple times, but was unsuccessful in capturing it. "Kalinjar Fort in Banda, Uttar Pradesh — Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked this fort many times and failed every time," he said. The PM named Gwalior, Jhansi, Datia, Ajaygarh, Garhkundar, and Chanderi as symbols of cultural resilience. "These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our heritage. Sanskar and self-respect still peep from the high walls of these forts," he added. Urging people to explore these historical forts and connect with India's glorious past, the PM also emphasised the need to draw national attention to these sites to boost tourism in Bundelkhand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Reacting to the PM's address, Jhansi MP Anurag Sharma posted on X, "It is a matter of immense pride for the entire Bundelkhand that honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the region's historical heritage and forts in his popular programme 'Mann Ki Baat'." Sharma said: "The PM emotionally noted that even today, the towering walls of these forts reflect Bundelkhand's pride, with every corner echoing the tales of bravery... We, the people of Bundelkhand, are deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's message, as it has given a new dimension and recognition to our cultural identity. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of all the people of Bundelkhand. " Stating that 'Mann Ki Baat' continues to be a source of inspiration and knowledge for the public, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said: " This programme provides wonderful inspiration. Whether it's about ancient forts, the environment, or innovation, through the Mann Ki Baat programme, all of us workers gain knowledge about various aspects happening in the country."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Mann ki Baat: PM Modi lauds rising interest of youth in space, start-ups
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the growing interest among students and the youth in the field of space, science, sports and start-ups, saying the space journey of Subhanshu Shukla and the earlier launch of Chandrayaan-3 has created a new curiosity among children about space science while the stellar performance of our sportspersons has encouraged more young people to excel. These developments have led to the rise of start-ups in the two areas, he said. In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' address, the Prime Minister said that in the last few weeks, a lot of events have taken place in the field of sports, science and culture which have made every Indian proud. "Recently, there was a lot of talk in the country over Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on earth, people jumped with joy... a wave of happiness rippled through every heart. The entire country was filled with pride. I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science and space," Modi said. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership Digital Marketing Others healthcare Data Science MBA Artificial Intelligence CXO Project Management Product Management Data Analytics Design Thinking Operations Management PGDM Healthcare Finance Cybersecurity others MCA Public Policy Degree Management Technology Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 18 Weeks 109820388 Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks Indian School of Business SEPO - ISB Venture Capital & Private Equity India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Senior Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills Power of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Drive Organizational Change Fostering a Culture of Innovation Duration: 9 Months MIT xPRO MIT Technology Leadership and Innovation Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details
