Indian domestic cruise company Antara Cruises recently announced an investment of INR 50 billion (approximately USD 52 million) over the next five years to expand its luxury inland river cruise fleet on the Brahmaputra River, develop a high-end riverine resort destination in Assam, and elevate the region's cultural tourism positioning.

Prior to this investment, Antara Cruises Founder & Managing Director Raj Singh held talks with Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, finalizing the company's long-term developmentplan for river cruise tourism in the state.

This move aligns with the broader momentum of India's domestic river cruise industry: driven by the government's "Cruise Bharat Mission" policy, the number of inland river cruise sailings in India grew by 19.4% year-on-year in fiscal year 2024–2025. The policy envisions the creation of 51 boutique inland river cruise routes across 14 states and 3 union territories by 2027.

Antara Cruises will build four custom-designed luxury river vessels for deployment on the Brahmaputra route: the first ship is scheduled to enter service in 2027, with one new vessel delivered each subsequent year. Each vessel will have a maximum passenger capacity of 80 and will feature shallow-draft hull technology suited to the complex navigational and hydrological conditions of the Brahmaputra. The ships will be built in strict compliance with India's *Inland Vessels Act* and Indian Register of Shipping class standards. The new fleet will operate in synergy with the company's existing flagship vessel, RV Ganga Vilas.

The newbuilds will fully integrate eco‑conscious design, including onboard sewage treatment plants, water circulation and filtration systems, and shore‑power connection equipment. They will also be equipped with World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-certified dolphin‑deterrent technology to prevent vessel disturbance or harm to river dolphins, thereby safeguarding the native ecosystem of the Brahmaputra River basin.

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota noted that the investment is expected to generate approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, cruise operations, catering, vessel maintenance, and local handicrafts, while helping to establish Assam as a globally renowned inland river cruise destination.