“In a bid to invigorate cruise tourism in Madhya Pradesh, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has officially inked a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with both the esteemed Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat.”
“Under the umbrella of this landmark MoU, two floating jetties, sourced from Kolkata, have been dispatched to Kukshi, a city within the state’s borders. These jetties will serve as crucial terminals for pontoon cruises, igniting the flames of Madhya Pradesh’s burgeoning cruise tourism endeavour, spearheaded by the proactive Tourism Board. The envisioned cruise route is set to stretch from the revered Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness) in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, all the way to the iconic Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat. As per the terms outlined in the MoU, signed ceremoniously at the headquarters of the authority in Noida, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is slated to provide two floating jetties to both Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. This delivery marks a significant step forward, with one of these jetties now firmly established in Madhya Pradesh.”
With the agreement, the movement of cruise ships on the Narmada River between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will be ensured without any hindrance. This contract was signed by IWAI Chairman Shri Vijay Kumar and the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture Department and the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla. During this, the Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Mr Mukesh Puri (IAS) (Retd.), Mr Udit Agarwal, Joint Managing Director, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited were specially present.
Principal Secretary Shri Shukla said that a total of 120 km of routes have been marked from the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya to Chandankhedi, Kukshi. From Kukshi, tourists will be taken by road to the Statue of Oneness located at Omkareshwar. On the way, they will also be taken to visit Maheshwar, Mandleshwar and Mandu. For this, four jetties will be established. Two will be established at Chandankhedi-Kukshi, and Sakarja-Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh and two at Hanfeshwar-Chota Udaipur and Statue of Unity-Kevadiya in Gujarat. Necessary infrastructure and other facilities for cruise tourism will be developed by the state government. There will be economic development in the said area and widespread benefits will reach the local community.
Tourism Board’s Additional Managing Director Bidisha Mukherjee said that under the guidance of Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla, innovations are being made to promote tourism in the state. Under this, cruise tourism is being started. Cruise tourism will not only give new wings to tourism but will also allow tourists to enjoy the local culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine. An adventurous and comfortable journey will take place amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Narmada River.
Pontoons will be installed along the ghat
A pontoon is a floating platform installed on a pier or shore. It does not sink and can carry the weight of several people simultaneously. Through this, tourists will be able to travel safely and comfortably on the cruise.
