Dibrugarh: Assam’s Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is set to get its own London-style double-decker bus in a move aimed at boosting tourism in the culturally significant island district.
The announcement was made by Auniati Satra Satradhikar Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami after his recent visit to London.
Known for its rich Neo-Vaishnavite heritage and vibrant biodiversity, Majuli is expected to introduce the iconic double-decker bus during the upcoming Raas Purnima celebrations. According to Goswami, the bus is currently being built in Jalandhar and will be formally inaugurated during the festival.
“The initiative is aimed at making Majuli a more attractive destination for tourists while offering visitors a unique sightseeing experience inspired by London’s iconic buses,” Goswami said.
He also announced that renowned British researcher Richard Blurton will be conferred the Sankardev Research Award 2026, while Bob Blackman, a Member of Parliament in the UK House of Commons, will receive the Sri Sri Damodardev Award 2036.
Goswami expressed confidence that the introduction of the double-decker bus would give a fresh impetus to Majuli’s tourism and cultural sectors.
Local residents welcomed the initiative, saying it could help attract more visitors to the island.
“It is great news for all of us because it will give a boost to the tourism sector. We welcome this move and urge the authorities to introduce the bus as soon as possible,” said Pranjal Sarma, a resident of Majuli.
“Majuli is known across the world for its Satras, and the introduction of a London-style double-decker bus will add a new dimension to tourism in Assam,” he added.
However, residents also pointed out that the island continues to face the persistent threat of erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River.
“It is good news for the people of Majuli, but the island has been losing large stretches of land every year due to erosion. The government should also focus on protecting Majuli from riverbank erosion and take immediate steps to address the issue,” said Punakon Baruah, a resident of Kamalabari.
Majuli’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Satras, the Vaishnavite monasteries established in the 15th century by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardev. These institutions continue to serve as centres of worship, learning, and preservation of Assam’s rich traditions of music, dance, theatre, and literature.
