Antara Cruises and the West Bengal Government formed a strategic partnership to advance river tourism in India through their MoU at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025. During the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, Antara Cruises took part in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which established their pledge to put INR 800 crore into development efforts across five years. An 800 crore investment funds the expansion of luxury river cruise operations together with shipbuilding facility modernization and the goal to make West Bengal a worldwide center for river tourism.
A Transformative Initiative for River Tourism
The comprehensive river system throughout West Bengal creates special conditions for building sustainable tourism development. The Indian cruise company Antara Cruises already spent INR 200 crore in West Bengal while running luxury cruise ship services between Kolkata and Dhaka, Guwahati, Patna and Varanasi. The new investment includes funding for state-of-the-art cruise vessel building at Kolkata shipyards to build on India’s maritime heritage as it becomes a pioneer in river tourism.
Local skilled workers and laborers will occupy between 70% and 80% of the created employment opportunities through this program. The increased development will boost economic opportunities for artists and engineers alongside service providers across West Bengal’s tourist industry and shipbuilding sector.
West Bengal: Emerging as a Global River Tourism Hub
The investment made by Antara Cruises supports West Bengal’s objective to develop itself into one of India’s foremost river tour destinations. The West Bengal Transport Department functions as a critical partner by enabling this business relationship through current jetty access while exploring possibilities to lease more docks for Antara Cruises fleet expansion. The infrastructure development will provide smooth operational support, which will improve the cruising experience of travelers visiting both local and foreign destinations.
During BGBS 2025, the West Bengal Government formed a new Memorandum of Understanding with two companies to establish clean, sustainable mobility solutions. Modern transport systems are integrated into environmental tourism practices by the state through these partnership agreements.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Travel
Sustainability constitutes the fundamental organizational principle that Antara Cruises uses to guide all its business activities. The company operates sustainably through sewage treatment plants, reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems and strict waste management procedures. Antara Cruises diligently removes all single-use plastics from its ships, which allows its river luxury cruises to preserve the environment and sustain responsible travel practices.
Antara Cruises approaches sustainability with a purpose beyond environmental rule compliance since they dedicate themselves to safeguarding India’s river habitats. Premium travel experiences through responsible tourism practices with green technologies form the core of Antara Cruises, which protects both cultural heritage and aquatic ecosystems of Indian waterways.
A Vision for the Future: Beyond Luxury Travel
Speaking about the collaboration, Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman of Antara Cruises—Historic River Journeys Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the long-term vision behind this initiative.
He stated, “West Bengal is home to some of the most beautiful and historically rich river routes in the country. This collaboration with the government enables us to unlock the full potential of river tourism, providing exceptional travel experiences while creating jobs, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism. Our vision goes beyond luxury travel—we are building a thriving, responsible river economy.”
With an emphasis on creating world-class river tourism infrastructure, Antara Cruises’ expansion plan includes modernizing docking facilities, improving navigational safety, and integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the cruising experience. The company’s investment is expected to attract high-end travelers seeking immersive and culturally rich journeys through the heart of India’s river heritage.
The expansion of Antara Cruises in West Bengal comes at a time when India’s tourism industry is witnessing a shift towards experiential and sustainable travel.
With growing interest in river cruises, heritage tourism, and eco-conscious travel, this initiative is set to position West Bengal as a sought-after destination for both leisure and adventure travelers.
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Key developments to watch for in the coming years include:
- The launch of newly built luxury cruise vessels from Kolkata’s shipyards.
- Increased connectivity between major cities and river destinations through enhanced cruise itineraries.
- Development of world-class riverfront infrastructure to accommodate growing tourist demand.
- Strengthened sustainability measures to ensure minimal environmental impact while boosting local economies.
Conclusion
The partnership between Antara Cruises and the West Bengal Government marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of India’s river tourism sector. By combining luxury travel with sustainability and economic development, this initiative is set to redefine river-based tourism in the country. As Antara Cruises continues to expand its fleet and modernize infrastructure, West Bengal stands to benefit from increased global attention as a premier river tourism destination.
With this ambitious investment, Antara Cruises is not just navigating India’s waterways—it is charting a new course for the future of responsible, world-class river tourism.