India, Feb. 17 -- River cruising is making waves in India, and Antara Cruises is riding the tide with plans to launch three new routes by 2030. The luxury river cruise operator is setting its sights on the serene backwaters of Kerala, the historic Jhelum River in Kashmir, and the sun-kissed waterways of Goa. These new ventures are poised to elevate river tourism in India and stimulate local economies. The expansion is expected to generate over 20,000 indirect jobs, benefiting guides, transport providers, and other local businesses along the cruise routes.

While specific launch dates and pricing have not been announced yet, the Kerala backwaters cruise is expected to be a 5-6 day journey, traversing the state from north to south. The Jhel...