Three states- Orissa, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are likely to sign a MoU (memorandum of understanding) for introducing cruise connectivity from Visakhapatnam to Kolkata via Orissa coast to promote inter-state tourism.

“The talks are at an advanced stage as the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have shown interest for this mutually beneficial tourism project. We are trying to introduce the service before the end of the current year”, said RN Nanda, director (tourism) of the Orissa government.

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“The proposal will take a concrete shape after the signing of the MoU. The expression of interest (EoI) would be sought from the interested parties to operate the cruise”, he added.

If the proposal materializes, it will be the first inter-state cruise tourism project in the country.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is now operating a sea cruise for tourists for a shorter duration.

The inter-state sea cruise service to promote tourism is the brain child of Debi Prasad Mishra, the state’s tourism minister.

Mishra discussed about the proposed project with the tourism minister of Andhra Pradesh during his visit to Hyderabad earlier this month.

He has also talked to the tourism minister of West Bengal in this connection.

Under the project, the tourists will travel from Visakhapatnam to Kolkata on the sea route. These tourists would stay for a short duration at the famous tourist spots in Orissa.

The steamer carrying the tourist would offer all facilities including dining and bed. At least two steamers would operate under the project-onen from West Bengal and the other from Andhra Pradesh.

Claiming that Orissa would be benefited under this tourism project, the state tourism officials said they have already made the potential survey on the project. “While we have the infrastructure to anchor the vessel at Gopalpur-on-Sea and Dhamara, we have to develop such facilities at Puri and other nearby towns”, said an official. The proposed vessel will halt at Gopalpur-on-Sea, Puri, Dhamara and some other tourist spots.

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