India launches 'world’s longest' river cruise

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the “world’s longest river cruise” MV Ganga Vilas which would travel around 3,200 kilometers (1,988 miles) in 51 days.

Calling the cruise service on River Ganges a landmark moment, the government said it will herald a new age of tourism in India.

Modi, during the virtual launch ceremony, remarked that the longest river cruise will bring “to the fore places of tourism in North India on the world tourism map.”

MV Ganga Vilas began its journey from Varanasi in northern Uttar Pradesh state and will travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam in northeast India via Bangladesh, sailing across 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh.

“MV Ganga Vilas has three decks, and 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the luxury amenities. The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey,” a statement issued by the government said on Friday.

“The 51-day cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including world heritage sites, national parks, river ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam,” the statement said.

“The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.”