India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, Plans River Pilgrimage Cruises Connecting Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura

As cruise tourism gains momentum in India, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is actively exploring river pilgrimage circuits. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced the development of at least one circuit covering seven temples in Assam along National Waterways 2, which includes the Brahmaputra River. Additionally, plans are underway for tours along the Ayodhya - Mathura - Varanasi circuit and individual routes on National Waterways 1.

Sonowal disclosed that new cruise vessels and electric catamarans have been commissioned for operation along these circuits. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is procuring around eight catamarans to cover Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Guwahati.

MoUs were signed in May of the previous year to proceed with riverine-based religious tourism circuits through special-purpose vehicles, according to the minister. Four pilgrimage river cruise vessels are already operating in Varanasi.

In Assam, the pilgrimage tourism route includes the temple circuit encompassing Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govida, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra. Services are provided on a 'Hop-on & Hop-off' basis.

With the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22, the Ministry is pushing for infrastructure development around cruises to the city of Ayodhya. Two electric catamaran vessels have been ordered specifically for pilgrimage river tourism "in and around Ayodhya." The first vessel, MV Guh, is en route to Ayodhya, and the second is expected to be deployed in the coming months.

Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the special focus on pilgrimage tourism. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government is reportedly actively promoting river cruises in Mathura and Ayodhya, with tenders already invited for the same. Two cruises are said to be in the planning stages for the Sarayu River in Ayodhya.

HBL