To boost cruise tourism in the state, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat. Two floating jetties (pontoons) from Kolkata have been sent to Kukshi in the state under this MoU. This will be used as a terminal for a pontoon cruise. The Tourism Board is taking M.P. Cruise tourism initiative to promote tourism in the state. The cruise is proposed to be operated from Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness) at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh to the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya, Gujarat. According to the MOU signed at the head office of the authority in Noida, IWAI will provide two floating jetties each to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, out of which this jetty has been delivered to 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, Mukesh Puri (IAS) (Retd.), Udit Agarwal, Joint Managing Director, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited were specially present.
Principal Secretary Shri Shukla announced that a 120 km route has been designated from the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya to Chandankhedi and Kukshi. Tourists will travel by road from Kukshi to the Statue of Oneness at Omkareshwar, with stops at Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, and Mandu along the way. Four jetties will be established to facilitate this journey, two each in Madhya Pradesh (Chandankhedi-Kukshi and Sakarja-Alirajpur) and Gujarat (Hanfeshwar-Chota Udaipur and Statue of Unity-Kevadiya). The state government will develop the necessary infrastructure and amenities for cruise tourism, fostering economic growth in the area and benefiting the local community.
New Experiences
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.
Pontoon Installation
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.
