River cruise from Kolkata to Dhaka via Sundarbans on anvil

Cruise enthusiasts will soon be able to sail in luxury from Kolkata to Dhaka and relish the sights of the celebrated Sundarbans mangrove forests, courtesy a river cruise service between India and Bangladesh, an official said.

“The guidelines are being finalised by the Director General of Shipping and it will commence soon,” Arvind Kumar, assistant director of Inland Waterways Authority of India, said.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is looking after the part in the neighbouring country while IWAI is monitoring the Indian part. Currently only cargo vessels are allowed across the border via waterways.

“It will be a 14-day cruise through the Indian and Bangladesh part of Sundarbans. It is likely to begin end of the year, said Lt Col. (Retd) SR Banerjee, consultant of Vivada Cruises.