Kolkata, Jan 9:
The maiden edition of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) chaired by Union Minister of
Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Kolkata on Monday has committed an investment
of Rs 45,000 crore for the development of river cruise tourism in the country.
An estimated Rs 35,000 crore of this ambitious allocation has been earmarked for cruise vessels while
Rs 10,000 crore will be invested for the development of cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047.
Sonowal also launched ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines and ‘River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047’ at the
inaugural session of IWDC.
“The immense growth potential must be realised as we work towards becoming a leader in the Blue
Economy of the world, in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sonowal said.
A roadmap was drawn at the meeting to create capacity in an additional 26 waterways, fit for River
Cruise tourism from the current operational strength of 8 waterways. The number of cruise circuits with
night stays will be increased from 17 to 80 during the same time, according to an official statement.
Similarly, the local cruise tourism traffic on National Waterways without night stay to be increased from 2
lakh to 15 lakh by 2047.
