Ganga Vilas launch live updates: PM Modi flags off MV Ganga Vilas, world's longest river cruise in Varanasi

Putting India on global tourism map

MV Ganga Vilas to traverse through 27 different river systems in five states

Over a period of 51 days, the MV Ganga Vilas will traverse through 27 different river systems in five states in India and Bangladesh, covering a distance of 3,200km between Varanasi and Dibrugarh via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route – an inland water transit and trade protocol that exists between India and Bangladesh, under which inland vessels of one country can transit through specified routes of the other country.

The vessel has three decks and 18 suites, each approximately 360-380sq feet

This confluence of cruise tourism and heritage tourism is happening in the country at a time when a booming phase of tourism is starting in India: PM Modi

India is witnessing unprecedented growth in infrastructure during this decade. The cargo movement by waterways has increased three-fold in past 8 years: PM Modi

The commencement of MV Ganga Vilas river cruise which will sail over 3200 km is a living example of the development of inland waterways in the country. Work is being done on the development of 111 national water highways across 24 States: PM Modi

Use of waterways will be beneficial for the environment: PM Modi

'MV Ganga Vilas' cruise service will boost tourism, create new job opportunities, says PM Modi

Mother Ganga has nurtured Indians no matter what the conditions of India, says PM Modi

Today, foundation stones have been laid for several other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs 1000 crores. This will expand trade and tourism and employment opportunities in eastern India: PM Modi

The beginning of the world's longest river cruise service on river Ganga is a landmark moment. It will herald a new age of tourism in India, says PM Modi

Ganga is not just a river to us. It is a witness to India's glorious history. With a new approach, we began the cleanliness drive of Namami Gange: PM Modi

The cruise journey will bring some places of India into the global tourism map: PM Modi

The beginning of the world's longest river cruise service on river Ganga is a landmark moment. It will herald a new age of tourism in India: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi flags off MV Ganga Vilas, world's longest river cruise in Varanasi

Prime Minister lays foundation stone for ship repair facility and an elevated road at Pandu Terminal in Guwahati

The Ship Repair facility at the Pandu Terminal will save a lot of valuable time as it takes more than a month for a ship to be transported to the Kolkata Repair facility and back.

PM Modi inaugurates Maritime Skill Development Centre for North East at Guwahati

It will help in honing the rich talent pool in the North Eastern region and will provide for better employment opportunities in the burgeoning logistics industry.

Prime Minister inaugurates four floating community jetties at Saidpur, Chochakpur, Zamania in Ghazipur district and at Kanspur in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi inaugurates multi-nodal terminal projects

The 'Tent City' at Varanasi has been conceptualised on the banks of the River Ganga to tap the potential of tourism in the region

PM Modi inaugurates Tent City in Varanasi

The cruise will not only encourage tourism but also give a boost to agriculture and a chance to showcase our traditions: Yogi Adityanath

I woould like to thank PM Modi for this transformation in the North east and all his intiatives towards the region, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

River cruise MV Ganga Vilas will visit Buxar, Chapra, Patna, Munger, Sultanganj and Kahalgaon in the state. The tourists will be accorded a traditional welcome at each port and taken to visit historical places: Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav

This cruise is a prime example of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'. It has been made in India and not any other country: Sonowal

This day will be etched in the history as Ganga Vilas will be world's longest river cruise: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal

PM Modi joins via video conferencing, to flag off Ganga Vilas shortly

UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal reaches Ravidas Ghat ahead of flagging off ceremony

Celebrations ahead of the flag off

Tent City

The 'Tent City' at Varanasi has been conceptualised on the banks of the River Ganga to tap the potential of tourism in the region

Terming the river cruise a new chapter of tourism in India, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that in future, other rivers of Uttar Pradesh will be connected.

The project is in line with the prime minister's endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the service will help unlock the huge untapped potential of the sector and herald a new age of tourism for India

The cruise is equipped with a pollution-free system and noise control technology.

Route of Ganga Vilas cruise

The cruise has also been fitted with facilities such as spa, salon and gym.

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.

Special efforts have been made for extending all possible comforts to the tourists in the journey with minute details worked out to provide them once-in-a lifetime experience

PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore during the event.

The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey.

The cruiser has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of carrying 36 tourists and having all luxury amenities.

The 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.

Earlier, PM Modi said the 51-day river cruise is a unique opportunity to connect with the country's cultural roots and discover beautiful aspects of its diversity.

MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi, PM Modi's constituency, and sail around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, traversing across 27 river systems in the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the world's longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, and inaugurate a 'Tent City' on the banks of the Ganga river in Varanasi today via video conferencing.