Antara Cruises has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Transport Department during the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, pledging an investment of ₹800 crore - 8 billion Indian Rupee equals (~US$92M) over the next 5 years to enhance river tourism and maritime infrastructure in the region.
This substantial investment aims to expand luxury river cruise services and develop shipbuilding facilities, positioning West Bengal as a premier river tourism destination. Antara Cruises, having already invested ₹200 crore in the state, currently operates luxury voyages connecting Kolkata with Dhaka, Guwahati, Assam, Patna, and Varanasi. The new investment will facilitate the construction of advanced cruise vessels in Kolkata's shipyards, leveraging local shipbuilding expertise to modernize the maritime sector while preserving the region's rich heritage of river navigation.
The initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs, with 70-80% of employment opportunities designated for local skilled workers and laborers, thereby fostering economic empowerment and regional growth. Additionally, Antara Cruises is committed to sustainability, implementing sewage treatment plants, RO water purification systems, and waste management protocols, while actively reducing single-use plastics to minimize environmental impact. These efforts aim to protect India's river ecosystems and cultural heritage for future generations.
As part of a broader initiative, the West Bengal government signed three MoUs during BGBS 2025, including the agreement with Antara Cruises, to promote clean and sustainable mobility solutions. The Transport Department will support Antara Cruises' expansion by granting access to existing jetties and potentially leasing additional ones to accommodate the growing fleet, ensuring seamless operations for the company's river cruises.
This collaboration underscores a shared vision to harness the potential of river tourism, providing travelers with exceptional experiences while generating employment, supporting local communities, and fostering sustainable tourism. Antara Cruises aims to cultivate a prosperous and responsible river economy, contributing significantly to the region's socio-economic development.