Guwahati, Assam: Assam is exploring an ambitious roadmap to harness the vast tourism potential of the Brahmaputra River and establish the state as a globally recognised destination for luxury river cruises.
In a significant development, the Chief Secretary of Assam held discussions with Shri Raj Singh, Founder of Antara Luxury River Cruises, the company operating the world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, on developing a world-class river tourism ecosystem in the state.
The discussions focused on creating premium tourism experiences along the Brahmaputra, including the integration of luxury river cruises and golf tourism, with the aim of positioning Assam as a high-value destination for international travellers.
A long-term vision involving proposed investments of over ₹500 crore was discussed for deploying dedicated luxury river cruise vessels and developing supporting tourism infrastructure along key locations of the Brahmaputra. The proposed river tourism network will focus on destinations including Chandrapur (Guwahati), Kurua, Silghat, Nimati Ghat, and Majuli.
The initiative aims not only to promote tourism but also to ensure that the benefits of tourism-led growth reach local communities. Special emphasis was placed on creating employment opportunities for Assamese youth through industry-driven skill development in areas such as hospitality management, cruise operations, culinary services, and marine engineering.
The proposed project has the potential to generate around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while supporting local businesses, artisans, and community-based tourism initiatives.
The development of the Brahmaputra as a world-class inland water tourism corridor is expected to open new avenues for investment, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth, further strengthening Assam’s position as an emerging global river tourism destination.