Decks cleared for religious tourism along Brahmaputra

GUWAHATI: Decks were cleared on Friday to unlock a new chapter in the riverine tourism sector in Assam with a "riverine-based religious tourism circuit" that proposes to connect seven historic religious places on the banks of Brahmaputra river.
An MoU was signed here on Friday among Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and Department of Inland Waterways Transport (DIWT) of the state government in the presence of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union ports, shipping and waterways and Ayush minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The MoU will facilitate modern ferry service on a "hop-on, hop-off" basis among the seven historic religious sites around Guwahati. The waiting lounge at the ferry terminal will be a modern facility providing comfortable ambience for the passengers.
The project, executed via a special purpose vehicle (SPV), is likely to be completed with an investment of Rs 45 crore and will be completed within 12 months.
SDCL and IWAI will jointly contribute 55% of the project cost while the remaining will be provided by ATDC. The DIWT has consented to provide the usage of ghats near the temples free of cost for the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, "The development of the riverine-based tourism circuit is a huge shot in the arm for the tourism sector in Assam. I am happy that with the support of the government of Assam, the IWAI and SDCL will work in tandem with ATDC and IWT to execute this project swiftly and unveil a new chapter of riverine tourism sector in Assam."
Sarma said, "Today's signing ceremony is going to usher in a new chapter of tourism in the state. I am happy to be present at this historic event. I convey my deep gratitude to the departments for this initiative. Religious tourism will get a boost as the tourists will enjoy the rich spiritual heritage of Guwahati via this wonderful riverine circuit."
Stating that tourists to Guwahati are usually clueless about places to visit (with the Kamakhya Temple being an exception), Sarma said the riverine tourism circuit would help the visitors include as many as seven religious shrines of historical significance in their itinerary.
Stating that riverine tourism offers a one-of-its-kind experience, Sarma exuded confidence the circuit would prove helpful in projecting Guwahati as a top tourism destination in the country.
Referring to the tourism sector as a major provider of employment and self-employment opportunities, Sarma said the Assam government has been taking numerous steps for the growth and rise of the tourism industry.