In a significant boost to India’s river tourism sector, the Government of India has unveiled the ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to develop 51 new river cruise circuits across 14 states and 3 Union Territories by 2027. The initiative is a part of a larger vision to position India as a premier global cruise tourism destination by harnessing the potential of its vast network of inland waterways. With a three-phase rollout plan, the mission is set to transform river-based tourism while promoting cultural, religious, and eco-tourism experiences through carefully curated cruise routes.
The phased implementation of the mission will begin with Phase 1 from October 2024 to September 2025, focusing on feasibility studies, route planning, and initial upgrades to existing cruise terminals. Phase 2, stretching from October 2025 to March 2027, will witness the development of new cruise terminals, jetties, and destination circuits including the operationalization of all 51 planned river cruise routes. The final phase, from April 2027 to March 2029, will focus on integrating these circuits into a seamless national cruise network, ensuring infrastructure maturity and interconnectivity.
To support this ambitious expansion, the government has announced an investment plan of ₹45,000 crore up to 2047. This includes ₹35,000 crore earmarked for the construction of new vessels and ₹10,000 crore dedicated to terminal and infrastructure development. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, will oversee the infrastructure development. The initiative will also include expanding operational waterways from the current 8 to 26 and increasing overnight-stay river circuits from 17 to 80, significantly boosting passenger capacity from 5,000 to over 1.2 lakh by 2047.
One of the major highlights of the mission is the integration of sustainable technologies through the “Harit Nauka” initiative. This includes promoting electric propulsion systems, shore-power infrastructure, and waste management protocols to ensure that river cruise tourism remains environmentally responsible. The focus on clean energy and low-impact navigation aligns with India’s larger climate goals and commitment to green transportation solutions.
Gujarat has become the first state to formally join the Cruise Bharat Mission by proposing three unique coastal circuits: Padala Island to Rann of Kutch, Porbandar to Diu via Veraval, and Dwarka to Jamnagar via Okha. These circuits will not only offer travelers scenic routes and religious excursions but also include last-mile connectivity to nearby cultural and heritage destinations within a 100-km radius. Other states are expected to follow suit, with proposals expected to roll in for routes along the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, and other key river systems.
The Cruise Bharat Mission is also expected to generate over four lakh direct and indirect jobs by 2047 in sectors including vessel operations, hospitality, port services, and local tourism ecosystems. By combining modern infrastructure with heritage-rich cruise experiences, the government aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, further revitalizing the Indian tourism sector.
As the mission gains momentum, the next few months will see increased coordination between central ministries, state governments, port authorities, and private stakeholders. Detailed proposals for circuits, vessel design, and terminal planning will form the foundation of the next phase, bringing India closer to its goal of becoming a leading river cruise destination by the end of this decade.
