India’s River Cruise Tourism Sees 19% Growth as Global Players Enter Market

New Delhi: India’s river cruise tourism sector is witnessing strong growth, with the number of voyages on National Waterways rising from 371 in 2023–24 to 443 in 2024–25—an impressive 19.4% increase. The upward trend signals the growing popularity of inland waterways as a viable and scenic mode of travel, while also reflecting improved infrastructure and regulatory support.

In a significant boost to the sector, global luxury cruise operator Viking Cruises has announced its foray into India’s market with the launch of Viking Brahmaputra. The 80-guest vessel, being built indigenously by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, is expected to begin operations on National Waterway-2 in late 2027.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is leading efforts to position river cruising as a sustainable and accessible travel option. Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the ministry is aggressively promoting cruise infrastructure and services to attract both domestic and international tourists.

The sector has evolved significantly over the past decade. In 2013–14, only five vessels operated on three waterways. By 2024–25, the numbers had grown to 25 vessels across 13 national waterways. IWAI’s initiatives—including construction of terminals, provision of 24-hour navigation aids, pilotage services, and maintaining adequate channel depth—have enhanced operational logistics and passenger safety, thereby increasing confidence among cruise operators.

A landmark moment in India’s river cruise journey came in January 2023, when MV Ganga Vilas, flagged off by Prime Minister Modi, completed the world’s longest river cruise—a 3,200 km voyage from Varanasi to Dibrugarh through 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh. The journey earned a place in the Limca Book of Records and brought attention to India’s untapped potential in river tourism.

Popular routes such as the Sundarbans in West Bengal, Brahmaputra in Assam, and Alappuzha in Kerala are now gaining momentum, with both leisure travelers and cruise operators showing increased interest.

Looking ahead, IWAI has ambitious plans. Under the Cruise Bharat Mission, the authority is set to develop 51 new cruise circuits on 47 national waterways across 14 states and three union territories by 2027. The mission targets increasing cruise passenger volume from the current 0.5 million to 1.5 million. Infrastructure upgrades, green tourism practices, and new employment avenues are central to this push.

Several state-level agreements have also been signed recently to promote cruise tourism. These include partnerships with the Governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for cruises on the Narmada, with Delhi Government for ferry and cruise services on the Yamuna, and with Jammu and Kashmir for tourism on the Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab.

To support the sector’s expansion, IWAI is developing dedicated cruise terminals on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Cruise hubs are being planned in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Patna, with additional terminals at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan in the Northeast, all expected to be operational by 2027.