Guwahati: In a bid to promote riverine tourism, Government of India is launching an innovative waterway circuit and connect seven revered temples in Guwahati, Assam.

This Sagarmala project will connect the seven historic temples namely Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar and Auniati Satra situated in Guwahati providing an immersive experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The seven historic temples included in this circuit are Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra. The journey will begin at Hanuman Ghat in Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, and follow the scenic Brahmaputra river to visit each of the sacred sites. The introduction of a ferry service will greatly reduce travel time, enabling visitors to complete the entire circuit in less than two hours.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this project is set to be signed on May 19, 2023. The signing ceremony will involve key stakeholders, including Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC), and the Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT) Assam.

The estimated cost of the project is around Rs. 40-45 crores, with 55% of the funding provided jointly by SDCL and IWAI, and the remaining funds contributed by ATDC. The Directorate of Inland Water Transport has offered the usage of Ghats near the temples free of charge for this initiative.

Overall, this Sagarmala project aims to transform the tourism landscape of the region and provide an immersive experience for both pilgrims and tourists, while also promoting the development of waterway infrastructure in India.

ALSO READ: Dream Foundation expands partnership with Bhaichung