The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed an MoU on Thursday with Vivada Cruises to offer riverine cruise services as part of an attempt to expand its operational range.
“According to the MoU, IRCTC will provide a platform to the cruise company by using its country-wide network and outreach programme. More than business, we want to provide the best of the services to our customers and explore virgin territories and routes to increase tourism activities in eastern India,” said Zafar Azam, IRCTC’s group general manager, east.
IRCTC had earlier entered into a similar tie-up with another company for sea cruising in Mumbai. However, this is the first initiative in the country for riverine cruise service.
Currently, five cruises will be available and can be booked through IRCTC’s website. Along with the Sundarbans and Gangasagar, the cruises include tours of Mayapur and Barrackpore. “All these tours will now be part of our different IRCTC packages. If someone is booking a trip to Kolkata or South Bengal through IRCTC, the passenger will be able to use the cruise service,” said Azam, adding that the trips will be customised.
Once on board, passengers will receive world-class hospitality services, including quality food and accommodation. A doctor and emergency facilities will also be available
The Gangasagar and Mayapur trips (1 night 2 days) will cost Rs 20,000 per person and the Sunderbans trip (2 nights 3 days) has been pegged around Rs 35,000 per person for a dock-to-dock service. Those booking through IRCTC website will get concessions.
Once on board, guests will receive world-class hospitality services, including quality food and accommodation. “A doctor and emergency facilities will be available,” said Tista Nath, managing director of Vivada Cruises.
The cruise anchored at the dock near second Hooghly bridge
The cruise company has conducted tours up to Varanasi and at present is exploring the Narmada. “In the near future, the entire eastern Indian shores and riverine tourism is likely to come under this facility. We also plan to expand this trip to Myanmar and Java, which have remains of the grand Indian architecture,” said Azam.
