Cruising the Brahmaputra: Fuelling India’s Next Wave of Tourism Growth

The Brahmaputra has always been more than just a river. For centuries, it has served as the lifeline of Assam and the Northeast—a conduit for culture, commerce, livelihoods, and collective memory. Today, it is being reimagined as something even greater: a river of opportunity, capable of transforming tourism, boosting local economies, and driving sustainable development across the region.

Historically seen as difficult to navigate, the Brahmaputra is now emerging as a central pillar in India’s inland waterways transformation. The success of the MV Ganga Vilas—the world’s longest river cruise launched in 2023 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji from Varanasi to Dibrugarh—proved that Indian rivers can redefine luxury and adventurous cruise tourism. Now, attention is turning to the Brahmaputra as the next frontier for global river cruising.

This shift is the result of strategic vision and sustained policy intervention by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, since 2014, inland waterways have moved from the periphery to the core of India’s transport and tourism policy. His vision of blending “economy with ecology” has inspired projects that align infrastructure development with environmental sustainability.

Guided by PM’s vision, our ministry has been working to reposition Brahmaputra as an engine of growth. From developing cruise terminals to promoting community-led tourism, his stewardship has ensured the Northeast is an integral part of India’s maritime ambitions. This philosophy extends to river tourism, where each initiative seeks to balance ecological integrity, cultural richness, and community livelihoods.

The Ganga Vilas journey from holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Heritage city Dibrugarh in Assam, spanning over 3,200 kilometres across 27 river systems in five Indian states and two countries, showcased the potential of India’s waterways to support world-class cruise experiences. While that cruise captured international attention, the Brahmaputra offers a more distinctive blend—home to unmatched biodiversity, centuries-old cultural heritage, and majestic landscapes. From the monastic Satras of Majuli to the iconic wildlife of Kaziranga, the river promises an immersive cruise experience that’s both luxurious and authentic.

Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways