Key Highlights
- KMEW receives Letter of Acceptance from Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to operate a 20-year luxury cruise service
- The cruise named River Pearl Cruise will connect Statue of Unity and Omkareshwar via Narmada River covering 135 km
- Project expected to generate around ₹800 crore revenue over 20 years
- The vessel will feature eco-friendly systems and premium amenities including spa, infinity pool, and dining decks
- Cruise launch expected within 21 months from signing of the LoA
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) to build and operate a luxury cruise along the Narmada River for a period of 20 years. The route will connect Kukshi in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, with the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, covering approximately 135 kilometres.
The official LoA was presented to KMEW during the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2025 by Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Minister of State for Tourism Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi in the presence of various dignitaries and industry representatives.
KMEW’s luxury vessel, to be named River Pearl Cruise, will mark the company’s entry into the maritime tourism sector. The cruise will offer a three-day journey linking two major landmarks — the Statue of Oneness at Omkareshwar and the Statue of Unity — with a blend of cultural exploration, world-class hospitality, and leisure experiences.
The itinerary includes cultural performances, temple visits, culinary experiences, wellness activities, and a visit to the Valley of Flowers near the Statue of Unity. The cruise is designed to balance tourism with environmental responsibility, featuring a 70-meter twin-hull catamaran equipped with hybrid propulsion systems and zero-discharge waste management technology.
The vessel will include 36 deluxe cabins with panoramic river views, a fine dining and lounge deck, spa and wellness facilities, and an infinity pool. According to the company, this project aligns with India’s focus on sustainable tourism and aims to create eco-friendly travel opportunities.
KMEW expects potential revenue of up to ₹800 crore over the 20-year period, supported by strong visitor traffic to the Statue of Unity, which now attracts nearly 30,000 tourists daily. The project is being implemented under the MP Tourism Policy 2025, emphasizing responsible tourism, local employment generation, and infrastructure development along the riverfront.
Commenting on the development, KMEW CEO Sujay Kewalramani said the company’s entry into the cruise industry represents a new milestone in its growth journey. He stated that the project reflects KMEW’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable tourism while offering travelers an exceptional experience along the Narmada River.