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In a major development that will push tourism in the region, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has taken a significant step towards the development of inland waterways by announcing the launch of ‘Riverine based tourism Circuit’ over the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. This circuit will establish a connection between seven historically significant temples in the region.
To materialise this project, an MoU will be signed in Guwahati today, between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC) and the Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT) Assam.
A part of government-approved Sagarmala Programme, the project is set to be developed at an estimated cost of INR 40 cr to INR 45 cr. It will link seven major temples including Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra, all located in Guwahati. The circuit will commence its journey from Hanuman Ghat, Uzan Bazar, and navigate through the waterways, covering all the mentioned temples.
Once operational, the ferry service is expected to provide departures every 20 to 25 minutes, significantly reducing travel time to less than two hours for a complete circuit of all the temples. This initiative aims to enhance the overall experience for tourists and devotees, making it more convenient and time-efficient to visit these religious sites, according to MoPSW.
Operated by Indigo Airlines, there will be three flights a week between Goa and Dehradun, flying to and fro every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This collaboration is aligned with the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative. Goa Tourism minister Khaunte is also expected to board the inaugural flight from the Manohar International Airport on May 23.
The Assam government had approved the introduction of the Sagarmala Religious tourist project earlier this year, recognising its potential to generate substantial developments and boost the state’s tourism sector, especially in the realm of religious tourism.To bring the ‘Riverine based tourism Circuit’ to fruition, SDCL and IWAI will jointly contribute 55 percent of the project cost, while the remaining 45 percent will be provided by ATDC. Additionally, DIWT has agreed to offer the usage of Ghats near the temples free of cost for the project, further supporting its successful implementation.
This collective effort demonstrates the commitment to promoting water-based tourism and leveraging the region’s natural resources to enhance the tourism sector’s growth and development in the state of Assam.
The MoU will be signed today in the presence of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam and Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush.
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