The Government of India has announced an ambitious expansion of river cruise tourism under the Cruise Bharat Mission, with plans to develop 51 new cruise circuits across 47 national waterways spanning 14 states and three union territories by 2027. The initiative aims to triple the number of river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million, while simultaneously upgrading cruise terminals, ports and related infrastructure.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that the mission will promote eco-friendly tourism through the deployment of green vessels and generate substantial employment opportunities in the cruise industry over the next two years. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is spearheading the effort to build a sustainable water transport system aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the guidance of Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
River cruise tourism in India has recorded a 19.4 percent growth in operational voyages, rising from 371 in 2023–24 to 443 in 2024–25. This surge reflects the increasing appeal and efficiency of inland waterway travel. The sector has expanded significantly over the past 11 years, growing from five vessels operating on three waterways in 2013–14 to 25 vessels navigating 13 national waterways in 2024–25.
In a major boost to the sector’s global profile, Viking Cruises has announced its entry into India’s river cruise market with the launch of Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel scheduled to begin operations in late 2027. The vessel will be indigenously developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata and will operate on National Waterway-2.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India has signed multiple agreements with state governments to promote cruise tourism. These include partnerships with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for cruise operations on the River Narmada, with Delhi for ferries and cruises on the Yamuna, and with Jammu and Kashmir for sustainable tourism on the Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab rivers.
Dedicated cruise terminals are being developed on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, with facilities planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Patna. In the northeast, four additional terminals are proposed at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati and Guijan, all targeted for completion by 2027.
The Cruise Bharat Mission represents a strategic convergence of infrastructure development, ecological stewardship and cultural tourism, positioning India as a rising hub for inland cruise experiences.
