India’s longest river cruise to start between Varanasi and Bogibeel from 2023

India’s longest river cruise service is set to commence from early next year, between Varanasi and Bogibeel. Referring to this, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed that the cruise service will be traversing a distance of more than 4000 kms across Ganga, Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), and Brahmaputra.

Speaking after the launch of multiple projects for development of Bogibeel, the Minister further revealed that the said route will be ushering new opportunities for the people of Assam to use inland waterways, along with promoting their livelihood and trade in tourism and cargo transportation.
If reports are to by, two floating jetties at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district and Guijan in Tinsukia district will be constructed as per the plan, whereas both the jetties are being constructed by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) over the National Waterways - 2 (NW-2), popularly known as River Brahmaputra.

An official statement has also been released regarding this, which stated the work has been awarded to Coastal Consolidated Structures Pvt. Ltd on an EPC contract mode (engineering, procurement, construction). The statement also informed that the two jetties are built at an estimated cost of INR 8.25 crore and are scheduled to be completed by February, 2023.
Reports also have it that a permanent cargo terminal at Bogibeel is also being planned for hassle-free transportation of cargo from the neighbouring industries like Brahmaputra Cracker & Polymer Limited, and Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation, among others.

1. When is the India’s longest river cruise service slated to begin?
   India’s longest river cruise service is set to commence from early next year, between Varanasi and Bogibeel.
2. What will be the route of this river cruise?
   Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed that the cruise service will be traversing a distance of more than 4000 kms across Ganga, Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), and Brahmaputra.
3. How will it help the people of Assam?
   Reportedly, the said route will be ushering new opportunities for the people of Assam to use inland waterways, along with promoting their livelihood and trade in tourism and cargo transportation.