Varanasi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off world's longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi virtually, media reports said.

Modi also inaugurated a 'Tent City' on the banks of Ganga in Varanasi, which is the parliamentary constituency of the Prime Minister.

The 'Tent City' comprising 200 tents offers a view of the ghats to the tourists along with classical music, Ganga Aarti and yoga sessions.

The maiden trip in the cruise carrying 32 Swiss tourists to reach Assam via Bangladesh.

Speaking at the inauguration, Modi said, "The inauguration of Ganga Vilas will open new vistas for eastern India to emerge yet brighter on the world map of tourism."

"This cruise will help everyone to experience everything right from treasuring spirituality, enjoying tourism and understanding the system of rivers in India."