Antara Cruises to Invest ₹500 Crore in Assam

Antara Cruises Expands Assam River Cruise Network with New Investment

Antara Cruises has announced plans to invest more than ₹500 crore over the next five years to expand river cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra. The investment will support the addition of new cruise vessels, tourism infrastructure and the wider cruise ecosystem across Assam.

The announcement follows a meeting between Raj Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Antara Cruises, and Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, IAS, where the company presented its long-term plans for developing river cruise tourism in the state.

The investment comes as India’s river cruise sector continues to grow. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, river cruise voyages on the country’s National Waterways increased by 19.4% during FY2024–25. Under the Cruise Bharat Mission, 51 river cruise circuits are planned across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027.

Four New Cruise Vessels Planned

As part of the expansion, Antara Cruises will introduce four purpose-built river cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra. The first vessel is expected to enter service next year, followed by one additional vessel each year.

Each ship will accommodate 80 guests and is being designed specifically for the Brahmaputra’s navigational conditions. The vessels will feature shallow-draft technology and comply with the latest Inland Vessels Act and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards.

The new vessels will operate alongside MV Ganga Vilas, increasing cruise capacity on the Brahmaputra for both domestic and international travellers.

Commenting on the investment, Raj Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Antara Cruises, said:

“Our discussions with the Chief Secretary were encouraging. Our priority is to build an enabling ecosystem for river cruising through improved jetties, road connectivity, shore power, safety and seamless guest movement across destinations. With the right infrastructure, Assam has the potential to become India’s leading river cruise destination. River cruising has supported regional tourism in many parts of the world by bringing visitors beyond major cities. We believe the Brahmaputra can play a similar role in Northeast India by supporting employment, local businesses and tourism.”

Focus on Sustainable Operations

Antara Cruises said the new vessels will incorporate sustainability measures, including:

• Onboard sewage treatment plants
• Advanced water filtration systems
• Shore power connectivity to reduce emissions while berthed
• WWF-approved dolphin deterrent technology to help protect the Brahmaputra ecosystem

The company has been working with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to support the development of river cruise tourism in the region.

Following the meeting, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said the proposed investment could generate around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting tourism, local businesses, artisans and skill development in hospitality, cruise operations, culinary services and marine engineering.

With the planned investment and fleet expansion, Antara Cruises aims to strengthen river cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra while supporting Assam’s tourism and economic development.

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