Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off the Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, and also inaugurated Tent City in Varanasi via video conferencing on Friday
Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Sarbananda Sonowal, the chief ministers of Assam and Bihar, as well as other ministers and senior officials from other ministries and departments, attended the event.
The prime minister also ceremonially set the foundation stones for numerous inland waterways projects worth over ₹1000 crores during the event.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the beginning of the world’s longest river cruise service on river Ganga is a landmark moment, asserting that the project will herald a new age of tourism in India.
“I want to tell passengers onboard river cruise liner MV Ganga Vilas that India has everything you can imagine. It also has lot beyond your imagination. India can’t be defined in words. India can only be experienced from the heart. Because India has opened her heart for everyone, irrespective of region or religion, creed or country” he said.
Tejashwi Yadav, the deputy chief minister of Bihar, gave Prime Minister Modi the assurance that the state government would do everything in its power to facilitate a smooth journey for the tourists onboard MV Ganga Vilas.
Yadav said that the tourists onbaord the river cruise, which will pass through Buxar, Chhapra, Patna, Munger, Sultanganj and Kahalgaon, will be accorded a traditional welcome at each port and taken to visit historical places.
Yogi Adityanath said that the tourists visited Varanasi and nearby places and experienced the culture in the last three days.
A total of 50 locations, including world heritage sites, will be visited by the ship. According to a spokesperson, “it will go through national parks and sanctuaries, including the Sundarbans and the Kaziranga National Park.”
MV Ganga Vilas will set off from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel 3,200 km through five states in India and parts of Bangladesh in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam. The 36-person cruise has 18 suites and luxurious features including French balconies, LED TVs, safes, smoke detectors, and adjustable beds.
Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister, referred to the ceremony as the beginning of a new era. It is a big day for the people of the Varanasi.
Brigitte Reichlin, a Swiss national, said they initially planned to take a flight but then came to know about this cruise. “As I wanted to make my trip to India a memorable one, I opted for Ganga Vilas.”
The ship has a capacity for 80 passengers and has 18 luxury suites. “Ganga Vilas blend culture and modern amenities with minimalist designs and defines the boutique experiences on the water,” said a second official.