Recently, the Prime Minister of India unveiled the MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, in Varanasi. During the launching ceremony, he also opened Tent City in Varanasi and initiated several inland waterways projects, marking an important milestone for the country’s shipping and tourism sectors.
Details of the Ganga Vilas Cruise
Overseen by private operators, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways is backing this river cruise’s operations. The Ganga Vilas will sail past forty historical landmarks on the banks of the river Ganga, including Mahabodhi temple, Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Bodh Gaya, Chandanagar church, Char Bangla Temple and others.
The cruise, during its journey, will connect National Waterway 1 (NW-1), comprising the Ganga River, and National Waterway 2 (NW-2) on Brahmaputra. It will traverse 27 river systems, including the Ganga – Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system between Haldia (Sagar) and Allahabad (1620 km), which was declared as an NW-1 in 1986.
Tourism and Itinerary Highlights
Intended to run for 51 days, the cruise aims to cover 50 tourist locations including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, River Ghats, and major cities such as Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Guwahati in Assam. The cruise is meticulously planned to present the finest of India’s heritage to the world.
Impact of the Ganga Vilas Cruise
The venture is anticipated to stimulate river cruise tourism and usher in a new era of tourism in India. Furthermore, it is expected to create job opportunities in the country’s hinterland. Foreign tourists are set to benefit from the Ganga Vilas cruise as it offers them an opportunity to delve into India and Bangladesh’s art, culture, history, and spirituality.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Established on 27th October 1986, the IWAI is tasked with the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. This authority primarily undertakes projects to develop and maintain IWT infrastructure on national waterways, funded by grants from the Ministry of Shipping. Its headquarters is based in Noida, with regional offices in Patna (Bihar), Kolkata (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam), and Kochi (Kerala), along with sub-offices located across India.