Previously, trips along the Narmada River were a separate attraction for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat state. However, in the future, this river could become a route connecting Gujarat with Madhya Pradesh. With the launch of this service, tourists will have a new way to travel from the Statue of Unity in Gujarat to Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh via the Narmada River.
Preparations are underway for the launch of cruise services on the Narmada River from Ekta Nagar to Omkareshwar. It is proposed that this cruise will transport visitors from the 597-foot Statue of Unity to the 108-foot Statue of Solidarity in Omkareshwar. Although the plan for cruise connectivity on the Narmada between Ekta Nagar and Omkareshwar is ready, its official start has not yet occurred; operation will only be possible after obtaining the necessary permits and safety measures.
According to Additional Collector Narayan Madhu from the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Authority (SOUADTGA), a new luxury cruise liner, designed to accommodate 600 passengers, is already operating on the Narmada River in Ekta Nagar. After receiving permissions, this same liner will be able to sail on the planned route. This cruise was designed not only for transit but also considering tourist activities and programs. It is equipped with a dining area for about 250 guests and a stage for performances, indicating plans to develop this route as a long-term tourist experience, rather than just a few hours of sailing.
Ekta Nagar already has many attractive places for tourists, and new attractions are being added to them. Among these are the Dam Experience Centre, an amusement park, the Leum Museum, and the Gujarat Vandana Museum. Furthermore, the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, the Indian Kingdoms Museum, and Vir Balak Park are being developed. The goal of these projects is to attract tourists to stay longer in Ekta Nagar, rather than limiting them only to the Statue of Unity.
Ekta Nagar, covering an area of about 56 square kilometers, encompasses approximately 90 villages and features 26 major tourist sites, hosting over 50 million visitors annually. To facilitate tourist movement, amenities such as 55 electric buses, as well as e-rickshaws, electric cars, and electric bicycles, are available. This is done to promote low-carbon transport. If inter-state cruise connectivity on the Narmada is launched, it will open a new path for connecting Ekta Nagar tourism with Madhya Pradesh outside of Gujarat.
The growth of tourism in Ekta Nagar has positively impacted local employment. About 1800 Adivasi women have received direct employment, while around 7000 people are indirectly connected to tourism. These jobs include hospitality, transport, construction, and other tourism services. Narayan Madhu reported that many Adivasi women operate pink e-rickshaws, food stalls, and restaurants. The Ekta Mahila Mandal Foundation provides them with financial support and skills training, creating alternative sources of income for local families besides agriculture and animal husbandry.