The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has sealed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat.
This landmark collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the state’s tourism landscape, with a focus on leveraging waterways to enhance visitor experiences and promote economic growth. Under the terms of the MoU, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, IWAI, and the Gujarat government have joined forces to introduce two floating jetties, also known as pontoons, into the region. These pontoons will serve as crucial terminals for pontoon cruises, a pioneering initiative spearheaded by the Tourism Board to revitalise tourism across the state. The proposed cruise route is poised to commence from Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness) in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, and navigate towards the iconic Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat.
The acquisition and deployment of these pontoons signify a significant milestone in the collaborative effort to bolster cruise tourism infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. With a vision to facilitate seamless movement of cruise ships along the scenic Narmada River between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the agreement underscores the commitment of all stakeholders towards promoting sustainable tourism development. The MoU was formalised in the presence of key dignitaries, including Vijay Kumar, Chairman of IWAI, and Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department, along with other notable officials. The event witnessed the participation of esteemed individuals such as Mukesh Puri (IAS) (Retd.), Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, and Udit Agarwal, Joint Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited.
With this strategic partnership in place, Madhya Pradesh is poised to emerge as a leading destination for cruise tourism, offering travellers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty along its picturesque waterways. This collaborative endeavour reflects a shared commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices and driving socio-economic growth across the state and beyond.
