To boost cruise tourism in Madhya Pradesh, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat. Two floating jetties (pontoons) from Kolkata have been sent to Kukshi in the state under this MoU. This will be used as a terminal for a pontoon cruise. M.P. Cruise tourism initiative is being taken by the Tourism Board with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. The cruise is proposed to be operated from Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness) located at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh to the Statue of Unity located at Kevadiya, Gujarat. According to the MOU signed at the head office of the authority in Noida, IWAI will provide two floating jetties each to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, out of which this jetty has been delivered to Madhya Pradesh.
With the agreement, the movement of cruise ships on the Narmada River between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will be ensured without any hindrance. This contract was signed by IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar and the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture Department and the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla. During the signing, Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Mukesh Puri and Udit Agarwal, Joint Managing Director, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited were also present.
Principal Secretary Shukla said that a total of 120 km of routes have been marked from the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya to Chandankhedi, Kukshi. From Kukshi, tourists will be taken by road to the Statue of Oneness located at Omkareshwar. On the way, they will also be taken to visit Maheshwar, Mandleshwar and Mandu. For this, four jetties will be established. Two will be established at Chandankhedi-Kukshi, and Sakarja-Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh and two at Hanfeshwar-Chota Udaipur and Statue of Unity-Kevadiya in Gujarat. Necessary infrastructure and other facilities for cruise tourism will be developed by the state government. There will be economic development in the said area and widespread benefits will reach the local community.
Tourism Board’s Additional Managing Director, Bidisha Mukherjee said that under the guidance of Principal Secretary, innovations are being made to promote tourism in the state. Under this, cruise tourism is being started. Cruise tourism will not only give new wings to tourism, but will also give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the local culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine. An adventurous and comfortable journey will take place amidst the picturesque landscapes of Narmada River.
Pontoons will be installed along the ghat. A pontoon is a floating platform installed on a pier or shore. It does not sink and can carry the weight of several people simultaneously. Through this, tourists will be able to travel safely and comfortably on the cruise.
