India has decided to postpone the world's longest river cruise, which was scheduled to travel through Bangladesh, due to the current political unrest in the country. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the stability of the region and potential safety risks for tourists.
The cruise, which would have traversed 3,200 kilometers from Varanasi in India to Dibrugarh in Assam via Dhaka, Bangladesh, has already seen reduced interest from foreign tourists. Travel advisories issued following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government have further deterred potential travelers, prompting Indian authorities to take a cautious approach.
The MV Ganga Vilas cruise was initially launched with the aim of promoting tourism and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh. The 51-day voyage was designed to take passengers through 27 river systems, with stops at 50 tourist spots, including World Heritage sites, national parks, river ghats, and major cities. The cruise was expected to provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing tourists to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of both countries.
However, the recent political developments in Bangladesh have raised concerns about the safety and security of tourists traveling through the region. The ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government has led to political instability, with protests and demonstrations taking place in various parts of the country. This has prompted several countries to issue travel advisories, warning their citizens about the potential risks of traveling to Bangladesh.
In light of these concerns, Indian authorities have decided to defer the river cruise until the political situation in Bangladesh stabilizes. This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists, as well as protecting the reputation of the cruise as a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
The postponement of the river cruise is a setback for the tourism industries of both India and Bangladesh. The cruise was expected to generate significant revenue and create new job opportunities in the region. However, the current political situation has made it impossible to proceed with the cruise as planned.
Despite the postponement, Indian authorities remain committed to promoting river tourism and developing inland waterways. The government is investing in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of cargo and passengers along the country's rivers. These efforts are aimed at unlocking the potential of river tourism and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
In the meantime, bookings for the Ganga Vilas cruise are currently open only for the Indian leg of the journey. There is some hesitancy to use Bangladeshi waters, according to officials. As part of the original 3,200 km-long cruise route, the vessel would move from North India to the East and then towards the North-East via the National Waterways 1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly), followed by the Indo-Bangla Protocol Route (IBPR), before entering the National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra river), which meant a brief period in Bangladeshi waters. The end-to-end travel time between Varanasi and Dibrugarh is about 50-51 days.
It is hoped that the political situation in Bangladesh will improve in the near future, allowing the river cruise to proceed as planned. The cruise has the potential to be a major boost for the tourism industries of both countries, as well as a symbol of the strong cultural and economic ties between India and Bangladesh.
