Biswabrata Goswami
Midnapore, 13 March: West Bengal’s premier seaside destination Digha is poised to add a new dimension to its tourism landscape with the imminent launch of the cruise vessel MV Nivedita, a project officials believe could redefine coastal leisure experiences in the state. With infrastructure works completed and trial runs successfully conducted, the cruise now awaits final administrative approvals before opening its decks to tourists later this month.
Administrative sources said the vessel is currently anchored at a newly developed jetty along the Champa Canal near the Nayekali Temple at East Mukundapur, close to Digha. The initiative, undertaken by the Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA), forms part of broader efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond traditional beach recreation.
To facilitate operations, DSDA has constructed a pontoon jetty and gangway designed for safe boarding and disembarkation of passengers. A long wooden access bridge connecting Marine Drive to the jetty has also been built, equipped with traffic signal systems to regulate tourist movement. Officials said the infrastructure has been executed by a contractor agency appointed through a tender process.
The cruise will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, reflecting the state’s growing reliance on collaborative frameworks to expand tourism infrastructure. The vessel, belonging to the Transport Department, was earlier brought to Digha from Haldia before operational responsibility was handed over to a private contractor following competitive bidding.
Multiple trial runs were conducted both within the canal and adjoining sea areas to assess navigational safety and operational feasibility. Supporting infrastructure, including the approach road to the jetty, has since been completed after overcoming logistical challenges linked to terrain and connectivity.
Designed as a modern leisure vessel, MV Nivedita aims to offer a curated maritime experience rather than mere transportation. The cruise will feature decorative lighting for evening voyages, an onboard sound system, cultural performance space, and arrangements for music, dance and entertainment programmes. A small restaurant will cater to passengers, while LED screens will display documentary films showcasing Digha’s development and regional attractions.
Each voyage is expected to last approximately one hour, beginning and ending at the same jetty. Initially, two trips per day have been planned, with seating capacity for up to 80 passengers across two decks.
Booking facilities will include both spot reservations and online ticketing, although authorities said the per-person fare is yet to be finalised.
Pradeep Das, head of the contractor firm entrusted with operations, said all preparations have been completed. “The entire infrastructure is ready to operate the cruise ship. We are awaiting the administration’s green signal to begin services,” he said.
However, officials indicated that regulatory clearance remains the final hurdle. DSDA Chief Executive Officer Surjit Pandit confirmed that operations cannot begin without mandatory approvals.
“We have applied to the Transport Department for the fitness certificate required for operational clearance. Once the necessary approvals are received, the cruise service is expected to start very soon,” Pandit said.
Tourism stakeholders view the project as a significant step toward positioning Digha as a comprehensive coastal tourism hub, combining recreation, culture and maritime experiences — an approach increasingly adopted by emerging seaside destinations across India.
If launched as scheduled, MV Nivedita could become one of the first organised leisure cruise experiences along West Bengal’s coastline, signalling a gradual shift in the state’s tourism strategy from seasonal beach visits to experience-driven travel.
