A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Guwahati, Assam, to develop a ‘Riverine Based Religious Tourism Circuit’ involving the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), and the Department of Inland Waterways Transport (DIWT) of the Government of Assam.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing ceremony, which is expected to open a new chapter in the riverine tourism sector in Assam.
The MoU aims to facilitate a modern ferry service, utilizing a ‘Hop On Hop Off’ concept, connecting seven historic religious sites around Guwahati. These sites include Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwalknata, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra. The agreement also includes the development of a modern waiting lounge at the ferry terminal to provide a comfortable experience for passengers.
The project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and is estimated to require an investment of ₹45 crores. It is expected to be completed within 12 months. The circuit will commence from Hanuman Ghat, Uzan Bazar, and the ferry service aims to reduce the overall travel time to less than 2 hours for completing one complete circuit. SDCL and IWAI will jointly contribute 55% of the project cost, while the remaining funding will be provided by ATDC. The DIWT has agreed to provide the usage of Ghats near the temples free of cost for the project.
During the event, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his enthusiasm for the development of the Riverine Based Tourism Circuit, emphasizing its positive impact on the tourism sector in Assam. He commended the collaboration between IWAI, SDCL, ATDC, and IWT and the support from the Government of Assam. He also highlighted the transformative potential of inland waterways and the commitment of the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to harness the rich potential of the region’s waterways for development.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the signing ceremony as a milestone for tourism in Assam. He expressed gratitude to the departments involved and highlighted the boost that religious tourism will receive through this riverine circuit, allowing tourists to experience the spiritual heritage of Guwahati.
The event was attended by officials from the state and central governments, including the Transport Minister of Assam, Parimal Shuklabaidya, Tourism Minister of Assam, Jayanta Mall Baruah, Chairman of IWAI, Sanjay Bandopadhyay, Chairman of ATDC, Rituparna Baruah, Vice Chairman of ATDC, Dilip Das, and Dilip Kumar Gupta, Managing Director of SDCL. It took place at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati.
