Barwani (Madhya Pradesh): The Madhya Pradesh tourism department has issued a tender for operating a cruise on river Narmada, connecting Meghnad Ghat in Dhar district to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

The move comes in the wake of diligent efforts by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sumer Singh Solanki to establish waterway connectivity between the two states. The ambitious project offers three distinct travel categories to cater to various tourist preferences.

A premium five-day journey spans 270 kilometres from Sardar Sarovar Dam to the Statue of Unity, with facilities of overnight stay, including dining and swimming pool. Another three-day one-way cruise option covers 135 kilometres from Sardar Sarovar Dam to Meghnad Ghat.

In a bid to promote local tourism, a two-hour short cruise has also been planned which will cover a 10-kilometre radius of Meghnad Ghat. The tourism department plans to showcase local culture and attractions by developing small stations at Barwani, Anjad and Dharampuri, connecting them to the main terminal at Meghnad Ghat.

Tenders have been invited from private agencies and the last date for submitting the tender is January 29. Tourism is expected to start on the first inter-state waterway by the end of 2026.

A unique feature of this initiative is homestay provision in tribal-dominated villages in Sakreja in Alirajpur district and Hapeshwar jetty points in Gujarat. The infrastructure development includes four major jetty stations along the 135-kilometre waterway, with pontoons already positioned at Meghnad Ghat for two stations within the state.