New attraction to commence operations after receiving all statutory approvals; expected to boost tourism, events, and the regional economy

Ekta Nagar, Gujarat : Ekta Nagar The Statue of Unity, home to the world’s tallest statue and one of India’s leading tourist destinations, has added another landmark attraction with the successful launch of a state-of-the-art luxury cruise on the Narmada River. Designed to accommodate up to 600 passengers, the newly launched cruise marks a significant milestone in enhancing the tourism experience at Ekta Nagar.

The cruise will commence commercial operations after obtaining all necessary statutory approvals and fulfilling the prescribed safety requirements of the concerned authorities.

The Statue of Unity already operates a 200-passenger cruise, which has received an overwhelming response from visitors. The river cruise offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Unity, the scenic Narmada River, and the surrounding natural landscape, making it one of the most popular visitor experiences in the region. In response to the growing number of tourists and increasing demand, the new, larger cruise has been introduced to significantly expand the destination’s tourism offerings.

Beyond sightseeing, the new cruise has been purpose-built as a multi-functional floating venue capable of hosting a wide range of social, cultural, and corporate events. The vessel is designed to accommodate birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings, product launches, musical evenings, cultural performances, private functions, and other special occasions, offering guests a unique experience amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Narmada River.

The cruise also features decorative architectural lighting, creating an impressive visual experience during evening and night operations. Combined with its modern amenities and large capacity, the vessel is expected to emerge as one of the flagship attractions of Ekta Nagar.

Key Features of the New Cruise

• Passenger Capacity: 600
• Dining Capacity: 250 guests
• Length: 30 metres
• Width: 12 metres
• Performance Stage: 5 × 4 metres
• Decorative architectural lighting
• Specially designed for celebrations, corporate events, product launches, cultural programmes, private functions, and premium tourism experiences

Existing Cruise

• Passenger Capacity: 200
• Dining Capacity: 100 guests
• Length: 24 metres
• Width: 9 metres
• Stage: 4 × 3 metres

The new cruise represents a substantial upgrade in terms of passenger capacity, event infrastructure, and onboard facilities. Its spacious dining area and larger performance stage will enable the hosting of large-scale events while delivering a premium visitor experience.

The Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) continues to introduce world-class tourism infrastructure aimed at strengthening Ekta Nagar’s position as one of India’s premier tourism destinations. The addition of the new cruise is expected to further diversify visitor experiences while creating opportunities for destination weddings, corporate events, cultural programmes, and private celebrations.

Alongside experiencing the world’s tallest statue, visitors will now have the opportunity to enjoy a premium cruise on the Narmada River, making their journey even more memorable. The initiative is expected to further accelerate tourism growth in Gujarat, generate local employment, stimulate economic activity, and reinforce Ekta Nagar’s emergence as a globally competitive tourism destination.

Report By – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt