Looking for memorable river cruise experiences in India How about voyaging down the Ganges in a restored Colonial era paddle steamer
The Barge Company has launched a paddle steamer which was originally built in 1945 in Scotland by William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton and commissioned by the East India Company and its relevant subsidiaries.
It was one of the four vessels ordered by the Joint Steamer Companies (India General Navigation and Railways Company (IGNRC) and River Steam Navigation Company) during the British era and is now the last surviving paddle steamer in India. The ship was designed with a draft of only just over 5 feet ideal for the shallow waters of Indian rivers.
Lovingly restored over two years, the vessel will now sail on the Hooghly in Kolkata. The restored paddles and vintage machinery are now in working condition, and will be showcased also as installations.
The vessel has been reimagined as a multidisciplinary space with two open decks (a 7,000 sq. ft area for 500 people), a F&B area and a one-of-a-kind Riverine Museum showcasing the heritage of the Bengal Delta.
The Barge Company is part of the Eastern Navigation Pvt. Ltd (launched in 1957), an inland water transport and marine infrastructure player.
They took over the vessel which was lying in ruins at the Kidderpore Docks and restored it in partnership with Kolkata Port Trust. All of her original machinery has been repaired and re-calibrated and displayed as striking installations. The original paddles, the crank shaft unit, the anchor windlass and the navigational searchlight have all been revived to take visitors back in time and get a glimpse of an era gone by.
The Riverine Museum has been curated in the erstwhile boiler room of the vessel and will help the city learn about the history of the Hooghly and the paddle steamers that once sailed on it.
The Decks
Top Deck The Bengal Paddle has 5,000 square feet of space, split between an open deck and a 2,000 sq. feet air-conditioned banquet. The top open deck provides a panoramic view of the river and its banks like no other. The AC Hall is pillarless and aimed at creating an all-weather experience. This deck also comes with two cosy wooden suites.
Middle Deck A 3,500 sq. ft open space steeped in heritage and luxury, with spectacular views of the river and its banks. It also showcases all the revived machinery from the original paddle steamer - including the now working paddles and propulsion system. This deck also has provision for 600 square feet of kitchen and service area, along with four dedicated well-appointed washrooms.
Lower deck This area is given to a one-of-a-kind Riverine Museum capturing the history of the Hooghly and the evolution of various aspects of marine navigation, with particular emphasis on steam propulsion.
Check here for more information.