Cruise Bharat Mission envisions the establishment of 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas, facilitating both domestic and international cruise services. A series of infrastructure projects have been planned in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Inland waterways have emerged as a vital component of India’s transportation landscape, especially in the realm of tourism. A significant achievement in this sector is the launch of the Cruise Bharat Mission, aimed at revitalizing and expanding river cruise tourism in India. This initiative, launched with a strategic vision, is set to elevate India’s position as a global destination for river cruises and maritime tourism. The government has committed to enhancing the inland waterways infrastructure, and as part of this commitment, various projects and schemes are being implemented across the country.
Growth in River Cruise Tourism
From April to November 2024, National Waterways recorded a growth of nearly 7% compared to the previous year, highlighting the increasing potential of these waterways for both commercial and tourism purposes. Notably, the river cruise sector has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. The number of river cruise vessels has surged from just 3 in 2013-14 to an impressive 25 in 2023-24. This growth lays the foundation for the Cruise Bharat Mission, which aims to significantly boost cruise tourism over the next five years. The mission envisions the establishment of 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas, facilitating both domestic and international cruise services.
Strategic Developments and Investments Across Regions
The Cruise Bharat Mission is not just about enhancing infrastructure but also about fostering regional connectivity. Strategic regional projects and agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar are aimed at creating seamless transportation connectivity in South Asia. These collaborations will not only promote tourism but also bolster trade between these nations through improved waterway routes.
In Andhra Pradesh, the government is setting up six floating steel jetties along the river Godavari (NW 4), which will serve as critical terminals for river cruises. The development includes feasibility studies on river Penna (NW 79) and a detailed project report (DPR) for the further expansion of river transport. This initiative is just a part of the broader ₹267 crore investment dedicated to the comprehensive development of National Waterways, including the expansion of NW-3, NW-4, NW-5, and the addition of 13 new National Waterways.
Revitalizing Assam’s Inland Waterways
Assam, with its rich riverine landscape, is another region benefitting from the Cruise Bharat Mission. The government has announced the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh, aimed at incubating innovations and training manpower for the inland waterways transport (IWT) sector in the Northeast. This institution will encourage research, development, and skills training to foster a robust maritime ecosystem in the region. Additionally, several new tourist jetties are being set up in Assam, including at Biswanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, Silghat, and Guijan. These projects will not only enhance tourism but also create employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic development.
Goa’s Push for Waterways Tourism
Goa, renowned for its coastal beauty, is set to become a key player in India’s river cruise tourism, with the announcement of ten community jetties across rivers such as Mandovi, Cumberjua, and Zuari. The addition of three more jetties on rivers like Sal and Chapora will further strengthen the infrastructure for cruise tourism in the state. Furthermore, proposals for fairway maintenance on several National Waterways in Goa and the implementation of Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) will enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime transport.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Connectivity Across India
To ensure a seamless travel experience, a series of infrastructure projects have been planned in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The government is also expanding the National Waterways network by setting up jetties in Delhi on the Yamuna (NW 110) and in Jammu & Kashmir on the Jhelum (NW 49) for cruise tourism and urban transportation. The operationalization of rivers like Chenab (NW 26) and Ravi (NW 84) for tourism, covering stretches in Himachal and Punjab, further demonstrates the commitment to bolstering waterway tourism. Additionally, the government is focused on bathymetric surveys and the development of green vessels to ensure sustainability and environmental conservation in these projects.
Special Focus on Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya and Agra
Uttar Pradesh, with its rich historical and cultural significance, is set to become a key player in India’s river cruise tourism, thanks to the ambitious projects under the Cruise Bharat Mission. In Ayodhya, the government plans to establish two steel jetties and enhance the river transport infrastructure, which will improve accessibility to this revered religious city. The initiative will not only foster religious tourism but also promote Ayodhya as a prominent river cruise destination.
Moreover, the development of a river cruise circuit from Kailash Mandir to the Taj Mahal along the Yamuna (NW 110) in Agra promises to offer tourists an unforgettable experience. This circuit will provide a unique perspective of the Taj Mahal from the river, adding a new dimension to the visit. The river cruise route will enhance the appeal of Agra, drawing more tourists to explore the city’s iconic monuments and heritage while enjoying a serene, scenic journey along the Yamuna. The integration of river transport into Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector is expected to boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and establish a more sustainable mode of travel for tourists, further cementing the state’s role as a key destination for river cruise tourism in India.
Incentives for Cruise and Cargo Movement
The Cruise Bharat Mission is complemented by the Jalvahak Scheme, which incentivizes the movement of cargo via inland waterways. By offering fixed scheduled services between key locations such as Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi, the government is enhancing the viability of inland waterways for commercial as well as tourism purposes. The scheme not only empowers vessel operators but also supports business enterprises in achieving cost-effective and timely delivery of goods.
Future Prospects and Vision
The Cruise Bharat Mission is part of a broader vision to transform India’s inland waterways into a dynamic, multi-purpose transportation network that caters to both passenger and cargo services. Over the past decade, India has witnessed a 767% increase in the number of operational National Waterways and a 635% increase in the volume of cargo handled. The Cruise Bharat Mission is poised to take this success to new heights, further contributing to India’s economic growth and tourism sector.
With these strategic investments and developments, India is on its way to becoming a leading destination for river cruises, offering tourists unique experiences while promoting regional development and connectivity. As India sails toward its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat, the Cruise Bharat Mission represents a new dawn for tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
