Latest news with #IWAI
United News of India
5 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Four new pontoon jetties built in Bihar's Bhagalpur; Centre informs Lok Sabha
New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has constructed four new pontoon jetties in Bihar's Bhagalpur district to boost inland water transport infrastructure, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. According to the minister's reply, one jetty each has been built at Kahalgaon and Tintanga, and two at Sultanganj. The project, aimed at enhancing connectivity was completed at the cost of Rs 5.61 crore. "Onshore facilities are also being constructed at Sultanganj, Kahalgaon and Bateshwarstan at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.80 crore," the minister added. The development is part of the Centre's larger push to promote Inland Waterways under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. UNI XC PRS
India Today
24-07-2025
- India Today
Delhi to launch Yamuna cruise services in November
Cruising on the Yamuna River will soon become a reality for the people of Delhi. Starting in in November, residents and tourists will be able to enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the river as the city prepares to launch its first cruise service. Officials confirmed that the preparations are nearly complete, and the service will begin along an 8-kilometre stretch from Sonia Vihar to new project is part of the Delhi government's efforts to clean and beautify the Yamuna and promote ecotourism. The cruise will run between the Wazirabad barrage near Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, close to the Shani temple. This stretch has been specifically designed for cruise operations. The calm flow of the river in this section and the improved water quality have made the area ideal for bring this project to life, five government agencies have come together and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). These include the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. All these departments will work together to manage operations, maintain safety, and ensure a smooth and scenic experience for say that this cruise will not only offer a new leisure option for Delhiites but also encourage people to appreciate the Yamuna River in a new light. Over the years, the Yamuna has suffered from pollution and neglect. Through this initiative, the government hopes to promote awareness and highlight the importance of river service is expected to attract both locals and tourists, offering them a chance to see the city from a unique viewpoint—on the water. Ticket pricing, timings, and cruise details are yet to be announced, but trial runs are likely to begin in the coming launch of the cruise service marks an important step in the city's vision to blend urban development with eco-friendly tourism. With the collaborative efforts of multiple departments, Delhi is getting ready to sail smoothly into a cleaner and more sustainable future.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India plans 51 river cruise circuits across 14 states under Cruise Bharat Mission
India's inland waterways are all set to undergo a sweeping transformation, as the Union government unveils its ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to launch 51 new cruise circuits across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027. The move is part of a broader effort to position India as a premier global destination for river-based tourism. A key development under this initiative is the announcement by Viking Cruises, a renowned global cruise operator, of its entry into the Indian market. The company plans to launch the Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest luxury river cruise vessel, in late 2027. The ship will be indigenously built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, and will operate along National Waterway-2, which traverses the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam. Read more: New Zealand's visa waiver countries: What it means and who are eligible This announcement is being seen as a strong signal of foreign investor confidence in India's emerging river cruise sector. With Viking's global brand and India's rich cultural and ecological diversity, the combination could set new benchmarks for luxury inland tourism in South Asia. A sector on the rise River cruise tourism in India is no longer a niche. From just five vessels on three national waterways in 2013-14, the industry has grown to 25 cruise vessels operating across 13 national waterways by 2024-25. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The number of river cruise voyages has also seen a sharp rise, from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25, reflecting a 19.4% growth in just one year. This growth is backed by policy support, public-private partnerships, and strong infrastructure development led by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The authority is currently developing dedicated cruise terminals in Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, and Kolkata, while four more terminals are in the pipeline in Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan in the Northeast. Cruise Bharat Mission highlights The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to unlock the tourism potential of 47 national waterways, and boost regional economies through sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. Popular circuits such as the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Brahmaputra in Assam, and the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala are already drawing steady streams of domestic and international tourists. The sector's most high-profile achievement so far is the MV Ganga Vilas, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. Covering 3,200 km across five Indian states and Bangladesh, it is now recognized as the world's longest river cruise, and was recently featured in the Limca Book of Records. Read more: Jharkhand launches India's first-ever mining tourism to offer guided mine tours To further accelerate growth, IWAI has signed MoUs with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and others, targeting cruise development on rivers like the Narmada, Yamuna etc. With the Cruise Bharat Mission targeting a threefold increase in cruise passengers—from 0.5 million to 1.5 million annually—India is poised to make waves in the global river cruising map. The coming years promise not just scenic voyages, but a new chapter in economic, cultural, and tourism-led development along India's majestic rivers.
NDTV
22-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India's River Cruise Tourism Rises, 51 New Circuits Planned By 2027
New Delhi: India's river cruise tourism sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by robust policy support, enhanced infrastructure, and increasing interest from global operators. In 2024-25, cruise voyages on National Waterways rose to 443, marking a 19.4% increase from 371 in the previous year. This uptick highlights the growing appeal and viability of inland water-based tourism in India. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is spearheading transformative initiatives to position India as a global river cruise hub. One of the most ambitious of these is the Cruise Bharat Mission, which targets the development of 51 new river cruise circuits across 47 National Waterways in 14 states and 3 union territories by 2027. A major highlight is the announcement of Viking Cruises' entry into India, with the launch of Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest river cruise vessel to be built indigenously by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kolkata. Scheduled to begin operations in late 2027 on National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River), it marks a significant milestone in attracting foreign investment and showcasing India's cruise potential on the global stage. Since 2013-14, when only five cruise vessels operated on three waterways, the sector has expanded to 25 vessels on 13 national waterways as of 2024-25. Noteworthy cruise circuits such as the Sundarbans (West Bengal), Brahmaputra (Assam), and Alappuzha (Kerala) are attracting growing numbers of tourists. One of the sector's landmark achievements was the MV Ganga Vilas voyage, the world's longest river cruise, covering 3,200 km across five Indian states and Bangladesh. Flagged off by PM Modi in 2023, it now features in the Limca Book of Records. To further boost this growth, IWAI is working closely with state governments. Recent Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir to develop cruise tourism on rivers such as the Narmada, Yamuna, Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab. Major cruise terminals are also planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, and Kolkata, with four additional terminals in the Northeast at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan. With a clear goal to triple the number of cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million, the Cruise Bharat Mission is ushering in a new era of eco-friendly, culturally rich, and economically vibrant river tourism in India.
India.com
21-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Cruise Bharat Mission: India To Launch 51 River Cruise Circuits By 2027
New Delhi: The government on Monday said it plans to develop 51 new river cruise circuits on 47 national waterways across 14 states and three union territories (UTs) by 2027. With the launch of the Cruise Bharat Mission, the government aims to increase river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 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: — 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.
