The Indian government plans to establish 51 river cruise circuits across 47 national waterways spanning 14 states and three union territories by 2027. The Cruise Bharat Mission targets expanding passenger numbers from 500,000 to 1.5 million annually. Officials will upgrade terminals, ports, and infrastructure while promoting environmentally friendly tourism through green vessels. The initiative aims to generate substantial employment opportunities within the cruise industry over the next two years. River cruise voyages on national waterways grew 19.4 percent from 371 trips in 2023-24 to 443 trips in 2024-25.
Viking Cruises announced plans to enter India's market with Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel beginning operations in late 2027. The ship will be built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata and operate on National Waterway-2. River cruise operations have expanded dramatically from five vessels on three waterways in 2013-14 to 25 vessels across 13 national waterways in 2024-25. The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed agreements with state governments to promote cruise tourism on various rivers.
Viking Cruises announced plans to enter India's market with Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel beginning operations in late 2027. The ship will be built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kolkata and operate on National Waterway-2. River cruise operations have expanded dramatically from five vessels on three waterways in 2013-14 to 25 vessels across 13 national waterways in 2024-25. The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed agreements with state governments to promote cruise tourism on various rivers.
