India’s nascent river cruise tourism sector is experiencing a significant surge, transforming the nation’s inland waterways into vibrant hubs for eco-friendly travel and economic growth. The number of river cruise voyages on National Waterways witnessed a notable 19.4% increase, rising from 371 in the fiscal year 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25, signalling a growing appetite for unique domestic travel experiences. This momentum is further bolstered by strategic infrastructure development and the proactive ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, which collectively aim to position India as a premier global destination for sustainable water-based tourism, while fostering inclusivity and local prosperity.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has been instrumental in this expansion. Their efforts have focused on enhancing navigational safety and infrastructure across the National Waterways, including developing advanced terminals, onshore and offshore facilities, ensuring adequate depth for vessels, and providing round-the-clock navigation aids and pilotage services. These comprehensive measures have not only significantly improved the passenger experience and operational logistics for cruise operators but also instilled greater confidence within the industry, paving the way for further investment and expansion.
A landmark development reinforcing this growth trajectory is the announcement by Viking Cruises, a renowned global cruise operator, of its entry into India’s river cruise market. The company plans to launch “Viking Brahmaputra,” an 80-guest vessel, by late 2027. Significantly, this vessel will be indigenously developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata and is slated to operate on National Waterway-2, highlighting India’s growing domestic shipbuilding capabilities and attracting foreign investment confidence. This partnership exemplifies the strategic push towards “Make in India” in high-value tourism segments.
The visionary “Cruise Bharat Mission” is central to the government’s ambitions, with plans to develop 51 new river cruise circuits across 47 national waterways by 2027, spanning 14 states and three union territories. The mission’s overarching goal is to significantly escalate river cruise passenger numbers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. Key pillars of this mission include the upgrading of cruise terminals and associated port infrastructure, a strong emphasis on promoting eco-friendly tourism practices through the deployment of “green vessels,” and a concerted effort to create numerous employment opportunities within the burgeoning cruise industry over the next two years. This focus on green vessels aligns directly with the zero net carbon agenda, ensuring that tourism growth does not compromise environmental sustainability.
To further catalyse this growth, IWAI has forged crucial agreements with several state governments, extending river cruise tourism to new regions. These partnerships include collaborations with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for cruises on the Narmada River, the Delhi Government for ferries and cruises on the Yamuna River, and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for sustainable tourism initiatives on the Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. Additionally, dedicated cruise terminals are being developed on major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, with three planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Patna, and four more proposed in the Northeast at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan by 2027. These developments are set to democratise access to diverse cultural and ecological experiences, promoting a more equitable and inclusive tourism landscape for both domestic and international visitors.
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