Hooghly CSL Bags Landmark Order to Build Luxury Cruise Vessels for Brahmaputra
Kolkata, June 25, 2025 — In a move poised to reshape India’s river cruise tourism landscape, Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has clinched a prestigious contract to construct two luxury cruise vessels for Heritage River Journeys Private Limited, which operates under the Antara River Cruises brand.
The contract, signed on June 23, is valued between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore and marks a defining moment for India’s inland waterway development. The vessels, which will be the first luxury river cruise ships to navigate the mighty Brahmaputra River, are set to transform India’s largely underutilised river cruise potential into a premium tourism offering.
The formal agreement was signed by Shri Sanil Peter, CEO of Hooghly CSL, and Shri Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara River Cruises, in the presence of Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited.
“This is more than a shipbuilding contract. It is a commitment to India’s ambition of becoming a leading river cruise destination globally,” said Nair, adding that the vessels will combine cutting-edge marine engineering with world-class luxury.
Antara River Cruises, known for its flagship Ganga Vilas — the world’s longest river cruise — currently offers high-end, heritage-focused voyages across the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra river systems. The upcoming vessels will elevate this offering further, with state-of-the-art amenities and sustainability features tailored for long-distance, inland luxury cruising.
The first vessel is covered under a confirmed agreement, while a Letter of Intent (LoI) has been signed for the second. Both will be built to comply with the Inland Vessels (IV) Rules, 2022, marking them as the first luxury cruise ships formally classified under the revised national inland vessel standards.
“These will be the first such vessels designed for Brahmaputra waters, blending luxury with eco-sensitive engineering,” said Shri Raj Singh. “This collaboration is a testament to India’s ability to build globally competitive vessels with indigenous expertise.”
The project also supports the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by relying entirely on domestic shipbuilding talent and infrastructure. It aligns with national goals to modernise and commercialise inland waterways while boosting sustainable tourism and creating local employment.
According to Hooghly CSL, the vessels will showcase a new standard in safety, comfort, and eco-efficiency. They are expected to include all-suite accommodations, fine dining experiences, wellness centres, and panoramic observation lounges — all designed to cater to high-end domestic and international travellers seeking unique riverine journeys.
This development comes at a time when India is seeking to position itself more assertively in the global cruise tourism market. With the Brahmaputra River offering unmatched natural beauty and cultural heritage, the new vessels are seen as crucial to unlocking the region’s tourism potential.
The construction of the vessels will begin shortly at Hooghly CSL’s state-of-the-art facility in West Bengal, with delivery expected in the next 18 to 24 months.
As river cruising emerges as a major frontier for Indian tourism, this partnership between Hooghly CSL and Antara is being hailed as a watershed moment. It not only sets the stage for luxury tourism on one of the world’s most challenging rivers but also underscores the growing synergy between Indian shipbuilders and luxury hospitality brands.
With this landmark deal, India is all set to hoist its flag higher on the global river cruise map.
