By Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
The Brahmaputra has always been more than just a river. For
centuries, it has served as the lifeline of Assam and the Northeast—a
conduit for culture, commerce, livelihoods, and collective memory.
Today, it is being reimagined as something even greater: a river of
opportunity, capable of transforming tourism, boosting local
economies, and driving sustainable development across the region.
Historically seen as difficult to navigate, the Brahmaputra is now
emerging as a central pillar in India’s inland waterways
transformation. The success of the MV Ganga Vilas—the world’s
longest river cruise launched in 2023 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi ji from Varanasi to Dibrugarh—proved that
Indian rivers can redefine luxury and adventurous cruise tourism.
Now, attention is turning to the Brahmaputra as the next frontier for
global river cruising.
This shift is the result of strategic vision and sustained policy
intervention by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Under
the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi, since 2014, inland waterways have moved from the periphery
to the core of India’s transport and tourism policy. His vision of blending “economy with ecology” has inspired projects that align
infrastructure development with environmental sustainability.
Guided by PM’s vision, our ministry has been working to reposition
Brahmaputra as an engine of growth. From developing cruise
terminals to promoting community-led tourism, his stewardship has
ensured the Northeast is an integral part of India’s maritime
ambitions. This philosophy extends to river tourism, where each
initiative seeks to balance ecological integrity, cultural richness, and
community livelihoods.
The Ganga Vilas journey from holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to
Heritage city Dibrugarh in Assam, spanning over 3,200 kilometres
across 27 river systems in five Indian states and two countries,
showcased the potential of India’s waterways to support world-class
cruise experiences. While that cruise captured international attention,
the Brahmaputra offers a more distinctive blend—home to unmatched
biodiversity, centuries-old cultural heritage, and majestic landscapes.
From the monastic Satras of Majuli to the iconic wildlife of Kaziranga,
the river promises an immersive cruise experience that’s both
luxurious and authentic.
The growth of river cruising in India is evident, particularly on
National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra), where the number of cruise
vessels has risen dramatically—from just 3 in 2013-14 to 25 by
This surge reflects a broader national trend, with annual river
cruise voyages across the country witnessing a notable 20% increase.
This growth has been enabled by IWAI’s focused infrastructure
development—ensuring adequate depth for navigation, round-theclock aids to navigation, dedicated terminals, electric shore power, and pilotage services, all designed in close consultation with cruise
operators.
Private sector confidence is rising. Viking Cruises, a global leader in
luxury river cruising, has announced the launch of two vessels on the
Brahmaputra with an investment of ₹250 crore. This landmark
development is set to attract both international tourism and global
capital.
Building the Foundations of River Cruise Tourism
To further enhance cruise infrastructure, IWAI completed construction
of two steel gangway tourist jetties at Pandu and Bogibeel in August
2025 to ease the embarkation and disembarkation of cruise
passengers. Two more are under construction at Pandu, set to be
completed by the end of 2025.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India is actively developing
essential infrastructure in the Northeast to promote and support river
cruising on the Brahmaputra. This includes development of modern
jetties at Pandu and Bogibeel. In Dibrugarh, the restoration of a
heritage building is 80% complete and expected to finish by October
2025—creating a key tourism hub in Upper Assam.
Four new tourist terminals at Silghat, Biswanathghat, Neamati, and
Guijan are being developed in Assam. These terminals will extend the
reach of river cruises, providing new embarkation and
disembarkation points. IWAI, in collaboration with (Director General
of Lighthouses and Lightships) DGLL, is also developing lighthouses
at Pandu (Dharapur), Silghat, Biswanath, and Bogibeel, with
geotechnical investigations and designs already completed. A
dedicated cruise terminal in Guwahati is also on the horizon,
positioning the city as a central hub for river tourism in the Northeast.
River tourism goes beyond luxury—it plays a vital role in
strengthening community connectivity. To support this, IWAI has
deployed Ro-Pax vessels on key routes such as Neamati–Kamlabari
and Sualkuchi–North Guwahati–South Guwahati. Operated by the
Government of Assam, these services provide safe, reliable and
secure ferry transportation for the region’s riverine communities.
The Brahmaputra corridor runs close to Kaziranga and Manas
National Parks, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—offering
unparalleled eco-tourism experiences. Passengers can disembark for
safaris in Kaziranga or explore the spiritual and cultural life of Majuli,
creating immersive, authentic journeys.
River tourism also channels revenue towards conservation and
community development, ensuring that growth supports
environmental and cultural preservation.
Inland waterways are among the most energy-efficient modes of
transport. With a lower carbon footprint than road or rail, the sector is
transitioning to green vessels, including hybrid, electric catamarans,
and even hydrogen fuel cell ships, aligning with India’s net-zero
emissions target by 2070. Cruise terminals are being designed with
eco-friendly features, including electric shore power and sustainable
waste management systems.
For too long, the Brahmaputra was viewed primarily through the lens
of its challenges. Today, it stands as a river of promise—driving
tourism, logistics, and community transformation. Luxury cruises are
putting the region on the global map, waterway transport is reducing environmental stress, and riverine communities are gaining new
economic lifelines.
The India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled from 27th to 31st October
in Mumbai, will feature a dedicated session on shaping the future of
river cruise tourism in India. Policymakers, investors, cruise operators,
environmental experts, technocrats, and community leaders from
around the world will converge to chart a collective roadmap. At the
heart of this dialogue will be the Brahmaputra—a model and a
symbol of sustainable river tourism.
Driven by the vision of PM Narendra Modi, the groundwork by IWAI,
and the entry of global players like Viking Cruises, Brahmaputra is
poised to emerge as India’s premier river cruising destination. By
seamlessly integrating tourism, logistics, heritage, and ecology, the
Brahmaputra can showcase a modern, green, and inclusive model of
development. The river and its people have waited long enough. Now
is the time to let the Brahmaputra flow forward—as India’s next
engine of tourism growth, carrying with it the promise of a greener,
more vibrant, and prosperous future.
