MP Tourism to launch cruise tourism on Narmada

MP Tourism Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat

To boost cruise tourism on the Narmada River, 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.

Shekhar Shukla

In a press statement, the tourism board says that under this MOU, IWAI will supply two floating jetties to each state. One of these jetties has already been delivered to Madhya Pradesh. The state government plans to launch river cruises from Omkareshwar to Kevadiya in Gujarat, and the partnership with Gujarat will ensure that movement of cruise ships on the Narmada River between the two states will be unhindered.

“We have marked a total of 120 km of routes from the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadiya to Chandankhedi, Kukshi. From Kukshi, we will take tourists by road to the ‘Statue of Oneness’ located at Omkareshwar. On the way, we will also take them to visit Maheshwar, Mandleshwar and Mandu. We are establishing four jetties, two each in Madhya Pradesh at Chandankhedi-Kukshi and Sakarja-Alirajpur, and two in Gujarat at Hanfeshwar-Chota Udaipur and Statue of Unity-Kevadiya. We are working on developing the necessary infrastructure and other facilities for cruise tourism. We aim to promote economic development in the area and ensure widespread benefits for the local community,” says Shekhar Shukla Principal Secretary, MP Tourism.

“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 allow tourists to enjoy the local culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine. An adventurous and comfortable journey will take place amidst the picturesque landscapes of Narmada River,” says Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director of MP Tourism Board.