Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that development works being done in waterways field by the government will increase Transport, trade and tourism. Mr Modi said, it will help in making the eastern part as growth engine of the country. Mr Modi said that this is the decade of transformation of infrastructure in the country. He flagged off World's Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas at Varanasi via video conferencing.<br />'' <br />'' He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects worth more than 1000 crore rupees. Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister said that India has great potential in waterways transport since the country has more than 125 rivers and it's also a cheap mode of transportation. Prime Minister highlighted that the Journey of MV Ganga Vilas is not a simple event as this journey is an example of the development in the inland waterways system of the country.<br />'' <br />'' Talking about the phenomenal growth in the sector in last years Prime Minister said that in 2014 there were only five waterways in the country now this number is 111 and around two dozen are functional and transportation of cargo has increased tripple times. Prime Minister said that Ganga is not just a river but an eyewitness to the journey of the country.<br />'' <br />''Mr Modi also inaugurate the Tent city at Varanasi today which has been conceptualised on the banks of River Ganga opposite to city ghats which will provide accommodation facilities and cater to the increased tourists influx in Varanasi, especially since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The tourists will reach the Tent City by boats from different Ghats situated in the vicinity.