'Will herald a new age of tourism in India': PM flags off world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas

Varanasi, Jan 13: "The beginning of cruise service on River Ganga is a landmark moment. It will herald a new age of tourism in India," PM Narendra Modi said as he flagged off world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas in Varanasi via video conferencing on Friday.

 

In line with the PM Modi’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India.

 

Underlining the central role of river Ganga in the life of every Indian, the Prime Minister lamented that the area around the banks lagged behind in development in the post-independence period thereby leading to a massive exodus of population from this area.

 

 

PM Modi added that those seeking spirituality will cover destinations like Kashi, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Patna Sahib and Majuli, tourists looking out for a multinational cruise experience will get the opportunity to via Dhaka in Bangladesh, and those wanting to witness the natural diversity of India will cross through Sundarbans and the forests of Assam.

 

Observing that the cruise will pass through 25 different river streams, PM Modi said that this cruise has significant importance for those who have a keen interest in understanding the river systems of India. He also mentioned that it is a golden opportunity for those who want to explore the myriad culinary and cuisines of India.

 

“One can witness the extraordinary amalgamation of the heritage of India and its modernity on this cruise”, the Prime Minister remarked as he shed light on the new era of cruise tourism where new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of the country.

 

Further, he said the river of India will give new heights to water power and trade and tourism of the country and wished a pleasant journey to all the cruise passengers. UP CM Yogi Adiyanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal among others were present on the occasion.