Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the world's longest river Cruise, MV Ganga Vilas in Varanasi via video conferencing. PM Modi also inaugurated the Tent City at Varanasi and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects.
Addressing the ceremony via video conferencing, PM Modi said, "This is the decade of transforming India's infrastructure. India has everything that one can imagine. It also has a lot beyond your imagination. India cannot be defined in words. India can only be experienced from the heart because India it always opened her heart for everyone, irrespective of region or religion, creed or country."
MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, sailing across 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh.
MV Ganga Vilas has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the luxury amenities. The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey.
The MV Ganga Vilas cruise is curated to bring out the best of the country to be showcased to the world. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, River Ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Guwahati in Assam.
The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.
(ANI)