In a landmark move to enhance India’s river tourism sector, Antara Cruises has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Transport Department at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025. The agreement signals Antara Cruises’ commitment to investing INR800 crore over the next five years. This investment will help expand luxury river cruises, develop shipbuilding infrastructure, and further solidify West Bengal’s status as a key destination for river-based tourism.
Currently, Antara Cruises operates luxury voyages from Kolkata to destinations including Dhaka, Guwahati, Patna, and Varanasi. The new investment will allow for the construction of new cruise vessels at Kolkata’s shipyards, utilising Indian shipbuilding expertise to modernise the maritime sector while preserving the rich traditions of river navigation.
This strategic move is expected to create thousands of new jobs, with a significant portion of employment opportunities dedicated to local skilled workers and labourers. By bolstering the region’s shipbuilding infrastructure, Antara Cruises will help establish West Bengal as a hub for river tourism and transport innovation.
The partnership is part of a broader initiative with the West Bengal government, which also signed agreements with two other companies at BGBS 2025. The government will support the project by providing access to existing jetties and potentially leasing additional ones to accommodate the growing fleet, ensuring seamless operations for the river cruises.
Antara Cruises remains committed to sustainability. The company has implemented several eco-friendly measures, such as sewage treatment plants, water purification systems, and waste management protocols, to reduce its environmental footprint. Through these efforts, the company is not only offering premium travel experiences but also promoting responsible tourism and preserving India’s river ecosystems for future generations.
Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman of Antara Cruises, said, “West Bengal boasts some of the most stunning river routes, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This collaboration with the government allows us to fully harness the potential of river tourism, providing travelers with exceptional experiences while generating employment, supporting local communities, and fostering sustainable tourism. Our focus goes beyond luxury travel – we aim to cultivate a prosperous and responsible river economy.”
