Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off Luxury Cruise Liner ‘MV Empress’
VISAKHAPATNAM : In a landmark moment for maritime tourism development in Andhra Pradesh, the premium cruise vessel M.V. EMPRESS was virtually flagged off by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports Shipping &Waterways, GoI. The event was graced by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for PS&W, GoI, Shri Kandula Durgesh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri T.K. Ramachandran (IAS), Secretary, MoPSW, GoI, and Shri M. Sribharat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
Shri Sonowal said that Vizag would play a key role in the development of tourism and economic development. Sonowal, along with Tourism Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, inaugurated luxury cruise liner MV Empress at the International Cruise Terminal, at Vizag Port on Wednesday. The Union minister flagged off the cruise liner virtually from Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said that the Centre was committed to the development of cruise tourism in the entire country. He also promised to provide all necessary help for developing cruise tourism in Andhra Pradesh, which has a long coastline.
During the Flag-off Ceremony of M.V EMPRESS, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, PS&W, GoI, highlighted that how the strategic geographical advantage of Visakhapatnam Port is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s cruise tourism future.
Ports Secretary Shri TK Ramachandran said that flagging off MV Empress is a historical moment in the tourism wing. The launch of the cruise liner will also boost the economy. Ajain Jain, Principal Secretary, said that the government will help in making more cruise liners visit Vizag.
Visakhapatnam Port Chairman Dr M. Angamuthu said the Centre has a proposal to organize a ‘cruise dialogue’ with Andhra Pradesh to introduce cruises for short distances too.
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sri Bharat, MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas, Port secretary Venugopal and others were present.
This moment marks a significant step in India’s journey to becoming a leading global destination for cruise and maritime tourism.