The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), which is part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), announced on Monday that redeveloping river cruise tourism in the country will require an investment of Rs 45,000 crore by 2047.

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According to the statement, an estimated Rs 35,000 crore has been set aside for cruise ships, with another Rs 10,000 crore set aside for the development of cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, presided over the first inland waterways development council meeting in Kolkata on Monday, launching the 'Harit Nauka' guidelines as well as the 'River Cruise Tourism Roadmap'.

The statement said that to ramp up inland waterways for cargo trade, an investment of Rs 15,200 crore has been arrived at the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) in Mumbai in October 2023.

"To resuscitate our waterways, IWDC is making an attempt with a modern approach, clear strategy and towards a goal to ensure sustainable development for an Atmanirbhar Bharat by the end of Amrit Kal," Sonowal said.

The meet was held on board vessel MV Ganges Queen at the Kolkata Dock Complex.

According to the statement, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, which was in losses in 2014, has been turned around and this year it will achieve a net surplus of over Rs 550 crore for FY24.

(With Agency Inputs)