Assam’s river tourism sector is set for a major transformation as global luxury cruise operator Scenic Group plans to invest around ₹750-800 crore over the next decade in partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation to expand luxury river cruising on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
The announcement was made by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal following a meeting in New Delhi with a delegation from Scenic Group led by founder and chairman Glen Moroney and Assam Bengal Navigation Managing Director Ashish Phookan.
Sonowal said the partnership would help elevate India’s river-cruise sector to international standards and position the country, particularly the Brahmaputra, on the global luxury tourism map.
“India’s revived and rapidly improving inland waterways are now attracting major global players,” Sonowal said, highlighting the role of Assam-based entrepreneurs in the proposed expansion.
Assam Bengal Navigation has been operating luxury cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganga since 2003, offering journeys that connect tourists to iconic destinations such as Kaziranga National Park and Majuli.
The proposed investment is expected to strengthen cruise infrastructure, improve passenger services and safety standards, and expand luxury tourism opportunities along the two major rivers.
Industry experts believe the collaboration could significantly boost Assam’s tourism economy by generating employment and expanding opportunities for local businesses in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, cultural tourism and adventure tourism.
Hospitality sector expert Ajay Sharma said the Brahmaputra possesses immense potential as an international river-cruise destination. He noted that participation by a globally established luxury cruise company could introduce world-class cruise vessels, destination management systems, passenger services and shore excursions.
Experts also highlighted that river cruises can connect visitors to Assam’s wildlife, tea gardens, indigenous communities, cultural heritage and historic sites, encouraging longer tourist stays and increased local spending.
The initiative is expected to benefit communities along the Brahmaputra by creating demand for local guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, performers, artisans and suppliers. Assam’s renowned handloom and handicrafts sector could also gain wider exposure among high-spending international tourists.
The investment aligns with the Centre’s broader efforts to develop the Brahmaputra as a major tourism, trade and transport corridor under National Waterway-2. Ongoing projects include cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati, as well as improved connectivity through the Pandu Port corridor.
Experts believe the partnership between Scenic Group and Assam Bengal Navigation could transform Assam into a gateway for Northeast tourism while strengthening the State’s role in India’s expanding inland waterways network.
If implemented as planned, the investment is expected to support tourism growth, infrastructure development, employment generation and greater international recognition for Assam and the Brahmaputra River.