Cochin: In a landmark development for India’s maritime and tourism sectors, Heritage River Journeys Private Limited, operating under the Antara River Cruises brand, has signed a contract with Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL) for the construction of two state-of-the-art luxury river cruise vessels. The vessels are to be deployed on the Brahmaputra River, unlocking a new chapter in India’s inland cruise tourism.
Hooghly CSL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), one of India’s premier shipbuilding companies. The agreement signals a major advancement in India’s ambition to become a leading destination in the global river cruising market.
Contract Signing and Strategic Vision
The agreement for the first cruise vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second were signed by Mr. Sanil Peter, CEO of Hooghly CSL, and Mr. Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara River Cruises. The event was held in the presence of Mr. Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, along with senior executives from CSL and Antara.
A Milestone in Indian Maritime History
The new vessels are poised to become the first luxury river cruise ships to be classified under the Inland Vessels (IV) Rules, 2022, and will be the first-ever such vessels to operate on the Brahmaputra. This marks a historic milestone in India’s maritime evolution, bridging world-class shipbuilding with luxury hospitality.
Supporting ‘Make in India’ and Sustainable Tourism
The construction and eventual operation of these vessels exemplify the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and showcase India’s emerging capability in globally competitive cruise vessel design and construction. They also represent a commitment to eco-conscious luxury, setting new standards in sustainability, safety, and cultural engagement for inland navigation.
Once operational, these vessels will redefine the river cruising experience in India, elevating the country’s status on the global river cruise tourism map and contributing significantly to the development of sustainable, high-value tourism infrastructure.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is one of India’s premier shipbuilding and ship repair public sector undertakings, operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, CSL has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality vessels and comprehensive repair services for a wide range of clients, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international commercial shipping companies.
Antara River Cruises: Pioneers of Luxury River Voyages
Antara River Cruises, known for offering deeply immersive and culturally rich experiences along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra river systems, currently operates a bespoke fleet of luxury vessels. Its crown jewel, Ganga Vilas, holds the distinction of operating the world’s longest river cruise, covering over 3,200 kilometers and 27 rivers. The journey traverses regions from the Gangetic plains and Sundarbans to the Brahmaputra Valley, and has been recognized by the Limca Book of Records.
