In a move to advance river tourism and maritime infrastructure in India, Antara Cruises has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Transport Department during the recent Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, notes an official press release. This partnership solidifies Antara Cruises' commitment to invest INR 800 crore over the next five years, expanding luxury river cruise services, developing shipbuilding facilities, and positioning West Bengal as India's premier river tourism destination.
With an initial investment of INR 200 crore already made in the state, Antara Cruises currently operates luxury cruises from Kolkata to popular destinations, including Dhaka, Guwahati, Patna, and Varanasi. The new investment will allow the company to build state-of-the-art cruise vessels at Kolkata's shipyards, leveraging India's shipbuilding capabilities to modernise the maritime sector while honouring the rich legacy of river navigation.
This strategic investment is set to create thousands of jobs, with 70-80 per cent of employment opportunities dedicated to local skilled workers and labourers, driving economic growth and community empowerment. Antara Cruises is enhancing its shipbuilding infrastructure as part of this expansion, further solidifying West Bengal's position as a leader in river-based tourism and transport innovation.
This agreement is part of a larger initiative where the West Bengal Government has signed three MoUs during BGBS 2025 with Antara Cruises and two other companies, with two of these focusing on clean and sustainable mobility solutions. The West Bengal Transport Department will support the company's growth by providing access to existing jetties and potentially leasing additional ones to accommodate Antara Cruises' expanding fleet, ensuring smooth operations for its river cruises.
Antara Cruises has reportedly implemented eco-friendly practices such as sewage treatment plants, RO water purification systems, and waste management protocols while actively working to eliminate single-use plastics. These efforts ensure that Antara Cruises' voyages have minimal environmental impact, all while promoting responsible tourism. By integrating sustainability into its services, Antara Cruises is not only offering luxury experiences but is also safeguarding India's river ecosystems and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman of Antara Cruises – Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd., said, "West Bengal is home to some of the most beautiful and historically rich river routes in the country. This collaboration with the government enables us to unlock the full potential of river tourism, providing exceptional travel experiences while creating jobs, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism. Our vision goes beyond luxury travel – we are building a thriving, responsible river economy."