New Cruise Journey to Start on Narmada River from Omkareshwar to Kevadiya
Introduction to the Narmada River Cruise
A new cruise journey is set to commence on the Narmada River, connecting Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh to Kevadiya in Gujarat. This proposed route spans approximately 120 km, offering a unique travel experience along one of India's major rivers. The journey aims to promote cruise tourism and boost local economies in both states, providing passengers with an opportunity to explore scenic and culturally significant locations along the way.
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| Cruise journey will start on Narmada river from ‘Omkareshwar to Kevadiya’ |
Details of the Planned Cruise Journey
The cruise journey will operate between Ekatm Dham (Statue of Oneness) at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh and the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in Gujarat. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has partnered with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat to implement this initiative. As part of the partnership, IWAI will supply four floating jetties, with two each to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Route and Key Destinations
The proposed route includes a total distance of 120 km, from the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya to Chandankhedi, Kukshi in Madhya Pradesh. Passengers will travel by road from Kukshi to the Statue of Oneness at Omkareshwar, with stops along the way at Maheshwar, Mandaleshwar, and Mandu for sightseeing and cultural exploration.
The four planned floating jetties will be located at:
- Chandankhede-Kukshi and Sakarja Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh.
- Khandeshwar-Chhota Udaipur and Statue of Unity-Kevadiya in Gujarat.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized the potential economic benefits and development opportunities for the local communities along the proposed cruise route. The cruise journey is expected to increase tourism in the region, providing jobs and income to residents while promoting local businesses.
Cruise tourism in India has seen significant growth in 2023-24, with 4.7 lakh tourist arrivals, the highest number on record. While the number of domestic tourists increased by 85%, international tourist arrivals remain relatively low. This new cruise route on the Narmada River aligns with India's broader efforts to revitalize tourism post-pandemic and promote domestic travel experiences.
Conclusion
The launch of a new cruise journey on the Narmada River from Omkareshwar to Kevadiya represents an exciting development in India's cruise tourism industry. By offering a unique travel experience along a culturally rich river, the initiative aims to attract tourists and support local economies. As the route develops and the infrastructure is established, this cruise journey could become a popular option for domestic and international tourists alike, further contributing to the growth of India's cruise tourism sector.
