‘Ganga Vilas’ World’s largest cruise arrived in Assam

DHUBRI: The world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, arrived in Assam on Friday, February 17, 2023 after passing through neighboring Bangladesh.

MV Ganga Vilas reached zero point on the Indo-Bangladesh border at around 10:30 am on Friday. It then traveled another 32 km to reach Dhubri port by 4 pm. Throughout its journey from Zero Point to Pandu Port, the cruise ship is being escorted by the survey vessel SL Subansiri.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal termed the arrival of the Ganga Vilas cruise ship at Dhubri as a “watershed moment” in inland waterway transport towards the Northeast’s shift.
Sonowal congratulated the people of Assam and the Northeast on this historic moment which has unlocked the huge potential of river tourism, which has slowed development for the people on the banks of the Brahmaputra.

In his address, Sonowal said, “Today is a historic day for the people of Assam and the Northeast. The successful passage of Ganga Vilas has given a great boost to our effort to regain the glory of trade and commerce of Assam.
“We have a history of flourishing trade and commerce through inland waterways before partition. As possibilities have turned into realities, the successful journey of the Ganga Vilas has opened up new possibilities, opportunities and realities,” Sonowal added.

In his remarks, Sonowal thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated the people of Assam and the Northeast on this historic moment that will unlock the immense potential of river tourism and enable the development of the people along the Brahmaputra.
Sonowal termed the successful passage of the Ganga Vilas as a great boost for Assam’s trade and commerce and said the voyage marked a new chapter of possibilities, opportunities and realities for the state. He also lauded the positive response of the on-board tourists as proof of the bright prospects of river cruise tourism on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Sonowal further reiterated the government’s commitment to restore India’s river systems as a means of bringing development to the interior of the country and expressed confidence that the development of the inland water transport sector in the Northeast region And will lead to development.
MV Ganga Vilas, which left Varanasi on January 13 and passed through several Indian states and Bangladesh, reached Dhubri in Assam after a 39-day journey.
Ganga Vilas is all set to complete its journey on March 1 when it will reach Bogibeel in Dibrugarh to end its 51-day cruise.
After reaching Dhubri, the ship anchored at Brahmaputra and the guests were escorted by MV Pratima to the arrival jetty at Dhubri Customs Port for immigration clearance. The 32 Swiss tourists were welcomed on this historic trip by the Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri along with the Regional Director of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and officials from the Inland Water Transport (IWT) and Tourism Departments of the Govt.
Tourists were served refreshments and local delicacies, including tea – the state drink of Assam. Several Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the area have set up stalls, showcasing local handicrafts such as jute, terracotta artefacts, and Kuhila.
During their stop at Dhubri, a dance troupe entertained tourists by performing the traditional Koch Rajbongshi dance while they enjoyed the scenic views of the Brahmaputra River.

They also had the opportunity to visit local cultural sites, experience local handicrafts and visit Asarikundi village famous for its terracotta artefacts.
Along with a religious visit to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the sacred Pipal tree, a visit to Victoria Park was also planned. The cruise ship, Ganga Vilas, will continue its journey from Dhubri to Golpara on Saturday and is all set to complete its 51-day cruise on March 1 when it will anchor at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh.