Context:

• Recently, Guwahati signs MoU to develop 'Riverine Based Religious Tourism Circuit', boosting Assam's tourism sector.

Key Highlights:

• The agreement was made between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), and the Department of Inland Waterways Transport (DIWT), Assam.
• Aim: The initiative aims to boost riverine tourism and strengthen the tourism sector in Assam.
• It also intends to establish a modern ferry service operating on a ‘Hop-On Hop-Off’ mode, allowing passengers to conveniently explore these spiritual landmarks.
• The religious sites covered in the circuit include Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra.
• To be completed within 12 months.
• Funding will be shared between the Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC).