Narmada, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Visitors to the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar will soon have access to a new 600-passenger luxury cruise on the Narmada River, marking a major expansion of river tourism facilities at one of India’s most visited tourist destinations.
The vessel has already been launched and will commence commercial operations after securing all statutory approvals and fulfilling the safety requirements prescribed by the concerned authorities.
The new cruise will operate alongside the existing 200-passenger vessel, which has emerged as a popular attraction by offering panoramic views of the Statue of Unity, the Narmada River and the surrounding landscape.
According to the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA), the larger cruise has been introduced to cater to increasing tourist footfall and growing demand for river-based tourism experiences at Ekta Nagar.
Designed as more than just a sightseeing attraction, the cruise will also function as a floating venue for corporate, cultural and social events. It will be capable of hosting birthday celebrations, destination weddings, corporate meetings, product launches, musical evenings, cultural performances, private functions and other special events.
The vessel can accommodate up to 600 passengers and features a dining area with seating for 250 guests. Measuring 30 metres in length and 12 metres in width, it includes a five-metre by four-metre performance stage and decorative architectural lighting to enhance evening and night cruises.
In comparison, the existing cruise carries 200 passengers, offers dining for 100 guests, measures 24 metres by nine metres, and has a four-metre by three-metre stage.
Officials said the new vessel substantially enhances passenger capacity and onboard event facilities, enabling larger gatherings while offering an upgraded visitor experience.
The SOUADTGA said the addition forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Ekta Nagar’s position as a premier tourism destination. Besides enriching the visitor experience, the project is expected to promote destination weddings, corporate events and cultural programmes, while supporting tourism growth, generating local employment and contributing to the regional economy.
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