India’s river cruise tourism is rapidly gaining momentum, bolstered by significant infrastructure upgrades and increased global interest. According to the latest data, river cruise voyages on the country’s National Waterways have jumped by 19.4% from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25 demonstrating the growing popularity and improved efficiency of cruise operations across the nation’s inland rivers.
Highlighting this positive trend, world-renowned Viking Cruises has announced its entry into India’s river cruise market with the upcoming Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel set to set sail on National Waterway-2 from late 2027. Built indigenously by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata, the Viking Brahmaputra symbolizes global investment confidence and the rising stature of India’s river cruise sector.
This expansion aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for modern and sustainable water-based tourism, under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, led by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is at the forefront, overseeing infrastructure development and the promotion of responsible cruise tourism.
Over the past 11 years, the sector has experienced stellar growth expanding from just five vessels on three waterways in 2013–14 to 25 vessels navigating 13 national waterways in 2024–25. This surge is credited to IWAI’s proactive initiatives, such as enhanced navigational safety, improved terminals and ports, round-the-clock navigation aids, and robust pilotage services. These efforts have resulted in seamless and safe voyages, boosting both passenger satisfaction and operator confidence.
Notable milestones, like the world’s longest river cruise aboard the MV Ganga Vilas flagged off by Prime Minister Modi in 2023, traversing 3,200 km from Varanasi to Dibrugarh across five Indian states and Bangladesh—have helped cement India’s position in global cruise tourism, even earning a place in the Limca Book of Records. Popular circuits such as the Sundarbans (West Bengal), Brahmaputra (Assam), and Alappuzha (Kerala) continue to attract a growing number of tourists.
Looking ahead, IWAI has ambitious plans to develop 51 new river cruise circuits across 47 national waterways in 14 states and three union territories by 2027. The government, through the Cruise Bharat Mission, aims to triple river cruise passenger numbers to 1.5 million by upgrading cruise terminals, supporting eco-friendly vessel operations, and fostering employment opportunities within the burgeoning cruise tourism industry.
Strategic partnerships with various state governments, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir, further underline the commitment to broad-based sectoral growth. IWAI is also advancing the development of dedicated cruise terminals along the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, with major projects set for completion in Varanasi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, and additional terminals in the Northeast region by 2027.
With international collaborations, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong focus on sustainability, India’s river cruise tourism sector is set for unprecedented growth, promising unique experiences for both domestic and global travelers.
