Scenic Group is planning to invest around INR 750–800 crore over the next decade to develop river cruising on the Ganga and Brahmaputra to international standards, potentially expanding India’s presence on the global river cruise tourism map.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a meeting in New Delhi between Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and a Scenic Group delegation led by founder and chairman Glen Moroney. Ashish Phookan, Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation, also participated in the discussions.
The investment could strengthen tourism infrastructure along the Brahmaputra and create opportunities for businesses involved in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, food, culture and adventure tourism. It could also support Assam’s role as a gateway to the wider Northeast tourism circuit.
Hospitality sector experts said luxury river cruising could connect international visitors with Assam’s wildlife, indigenous communities, tea estates, cultural traditions and heritage sites, potentially encouraging longer stays and greater local spending. Local guides, hotels, restaurants, performers, artisans and suppliers could also benefit from increased cruise activity.
The initiative could complement development of National Waterway-2, the Brahmaputra, as improved navigability and inland-waterway infrastructure support both tourism and commercial movement. Assam Bengal Navigation’s existing experience operating luxury cruises on the Ganga and Brahmaputra provides local expertise for the proposed collaboration.
Sonowal said India’s improving inland waterways are attracting global players and highlighted the participation of Assam-based entrepreneurs. If implemented as planned, the investment could contribute to employment, local enterprise, infrastructure development and the international positioning of Assam and the Northeast as a river cruise destination.
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