Guwahati signs MoU to develop 'Riverine Based Religious Tourism Circuit', boosting Assam's tourism sector

The agreement was made between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), and the Department of Inland Waterways Transport (DIWT), Assam, reported The Shillong Times.

The MoU aims to establish a modern ferry service, known as 'Hop On Hop Off,' connecting seven historic religious sites in Guwahati through waterways. The religious sites covered in the circuit include Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra.

To enhance passenger experience, a comfortable waiting lounge will be constructed at the ferry terminal. The project, to be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is expected to be completed within 12 months with an investment of Rs 45 crore.

The circuit will commence from Hanuman Ghat and Uzan Bazar, significantly reducing travel time to less than two hours for completing one complete circuit.

The project cost will be shared, with SDCL and IWAI jointly contributing 55 percent, and the remaining funds provided by ATDC. DIWT has agreed to provide the usage of Ghats near the temples free of cost.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it will greatly benefit the tourism sector in Assam. He praised the collaboration between IWAI, SDCL, ATDC, and IWT and anticipated the development of riverine tourism in Assam.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also conveyed his gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing that the riverine circuit will enhance religious tourism and allow tourists to appreciate the spiritual heritage of Guwahati.