Gujarat to launch 600-passenger luxury cruise at Statue of Unity to boost Narmada river tourism
- IBEF
- August 6, 2026
The Government of Gujarat has announced the launch of a 600-passenger luxury cruise on the Narmada River near the Statue of Unity, further strengthening tourism infrastructure at Ekta Nagar and enhancing the visitor experience. The new cruise, one of the largest in the region, will commence commercial operations after obtaining all statutory approvals and meeting prescribed safety requirements. Introduced in response to rising tourist footfall, the vessel will significantly expand the existing river tourism offerings, complementing the current 200-passenger cruise service that provides panoramic views of the Statue of Unity and the surrounding landscape. Designed as a multi-purpose floating venue, the new cruise will cater to sightseeing as well as corporate events, destination weddings, cultural performances, product launches, musical evenings and private celebrations. The vessel features a dining area with seating for 250 guests, a dedicated 5×4-metre performance stage and decorative architectural lighting for evening cruises, offering visitors a premium tourism experience.
The launch of the new cruise is expected to strengthen Ekta Nagar's position as one of India's leading tourism destinations while creating new opportunities for event tourism and hospitality. Measuring 30 metres in length and 12 metres in width, the vessel represents a significant upgrade over the existing 24-metre cruise, which accommodates 200 passengers and includes a dining facility for 100 guests. According to the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA), the enhanced capacity and modern onboard facilities will enable the hosting of large-scale corporate functions, cultural programmes and social events, diversifying tourism offerings in the region. The initiative is also expected to boost tourism in Gujarat, generate local employment, stimulate economic activity and reinforce Ekta Nagar's emergence as a globally competitive tourism destination through world-class visitor infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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