PM Modi flags off world's longest river cruise in Varanasi

PM Modi at the inauguration and foundation laying ceremony of inland waterways projects worth more than Rs. 1000 crores via video conferencing | Image Credit: PIB

Modi also inaugurated a 'Tent City' on the banks of Ganga in Varanasi, which is the parliamentary constituency of the Prime Minister.

The 'Tent City' comprising 200 tents offers a view of the ghats to the tourists along with classical music, Ganga Aarti and yoga sessions.

The maiden trip in the cruise carrying 32 Swiss tourists to reach Assam via Bangladesh.

Speaking at the inauguration, Modi said, "The inauguration of Ganga Vilas will open new vistas for eastern India to emerge yet brighter on the world map of tourism."

"This cruise will help everyone to experience everything right from treasuring spirituality, enjoying tourism and understanding the system of rivers in India."

About MV Ganga Vilas

MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, sailing across 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh.

MV Ganga Vilas has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the luxury amenities. The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey.

The MV Ganga Vilas cruise is curated to bring out the best of the country to be showcased to the world. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, River Ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam.

The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.

In line with PM’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India.

About Tent City 

Tent City has been conceptualised on the banks of the River Ganga to tap the potential of tourism in the region.

The project has been developed opposite to city ghats which will provide accommodation facilities and cater to the increased tourist influx in Varanasi, especially since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. It has been developed by Varanasi Development Authority in PPP mode.

The tourists will reach the Tent City by boats from different Ghats situated in the vicinity. The tent city will be operational from October to June every year and will be dismantled for three months due to the rise in river water level in the rainy season.