Antara Cruises and Hooghly CSL Partner for Historic Brahmaputra Vessels
In a major development for India’s inland water tourism, Antara River Cruises has signed a deal with Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL) to build two luxury river cruise vessels for the Brahmaputra River.
The construction agreement and a Letter of Intent (LoI) were officially signed in Kochi on 23 June 2025, marking a historic moment for Indian maritime and tourism sectors.
A New Chapter in Indian River Cruising
Antara River Cruises, known for high-end, immersive journeys on the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra, already operates a prestigious fleet of river vessels. Its flagship cruise, Ganga Vilas, holds the Limca Book of Records for being the world’s longest river cruise, covering over 3,200 kilometers across 27 rivers.
With this new order, the company aims to further elevate the standards of luxury and sustainability on India’s rivers.
About the Builders: Hooghly CSL & Cochin Shipyard Limited
Hooghly CSL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) — India’s leading shipbuilding and maintenance group. The new vessels will be designed and built under the Inland Vessels Rules, 2022, making them the first luxury river cruises legally classified for operation on the Brahmaputra.
This move also aligns with the Make in India initiative, showcasing India’s growing capability to design and build world-class cruise vessels domestically.
What Makes These Vessels Special?
These new cruise ships are set to introduce cutting-edge luxury, advanced safety features, and eco-friendly systems. Here’s what we can expect:
-
World-class interiors tailored for premium travel
-
Emphasis on cultural experiences and river ecology
-
Compliance with international maritime safety standards
-
Solar-assisted power and sustainable waste systems
The goal is to offer slow, immersive travel that connects passengers with India’s natural and cultural heritage.
Strategic Importance: Why Brahmaputra?
The Brahmaputra River, with its mighty course and untouched beauty, is ideal for slow tourism. Until now, it has been underutilized for luxury navigation.
With these vessels, India will join the ranks of global river cruise destinations like:
-
The Nile River in Egypt
-
The Danube in Europe
-
The Mekong in Southeast Asia
This initiative may unlock new tourism revenue in the Northeast and boost local economies.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The collaboration between Antara and Hooghly CSL reflects a new synergy between Indian shipbuilding expertise and world-class hospitality. It also demonstrates how tourism, infrastructure, and local culture can grow together.
Officials at the signing included Shri Sanil Peter, CEO of Hooghly CSL, and Shri Raj Singh, Founder of Antara River Cruises. Also present were Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, and other senior officials.
This contract is more than a business deal — it is a cultural and economic milestone. It promises to reshape how travelers explore India from its rivers.
Conclusion: Sailing into a Sustainable Future
This project is not just about luxury. It is about connecting travelers with India’s history, landscapes, and people through sustainable inland navigation.
With India’s vast network of rivers and growing tourism sector, these vessels could be the first of many. They open a gateway to eco-conscious travel that honors heritage and supports development.
