Expanded Cruise Routes Proposed by Central Government: 51 New Journeys Spanning 14 States and 3 Union Territories Set for Completion by 2027
India's river cruise tourism is experiencing rapid growth, with the number of river cruise voyages increasing by 19.4% to 443 in 2024-25 from 371 in the previous year. This growth is backed by rising domestic and international interest, government support, and infrastructure upgrades.
The sector has expanded significantly over the years, growing from just 5 vessels on 3 waterways in 2013-14 to 25 vessels on 13 waterways by 2024-25. Major existing cruise circuits include the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Brahmaputra in Assam, and Alappuzha in Kerala.
The Union government's Cruise Bharat Mission aims to create 51 new river cruise circuits across 14 states and 3 union territories by 2027. This initiative emphasises eco-friendly, culturally rich, and economically vibrant river tourism. The mission aims to triple cruise passenger numbers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million.
Infrastructure improvements and policy initiatives have made India a promising emerging global river cruise destination. One of the notable developments is the entry of Viking Cruises into the Indian market. The indigenously built 80-guest Viking Brahmaputra vessel is scheduled to launch on National Waterway 2 by late 2027, marking increased global operator involvement.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is also developing dedicated cruise terminals on the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, with three cruise terminals planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Patna. In the northeast, four more terminals at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are proposed to be developed by 2027.
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) started operations earlier this year and is now the largest cruise terminal in India. These developments underscore the government's commitment to growing the river cruise tourism sector and positioning India as a leading destination for global operators.
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The expansion of river cruise tourism in India has encouraged a lifestyle that integrates travel and exploration, with the Union government's Cruise Bharat Mission aiming to create numerous eco-friendly and culturally rich cruise circuits nationwide. This growth in the sector, boosted by global operator involvement and infrastructure improvements, may lead to an increase in travel opportunities for those seeking to experience India's unique river tourism offerings.
