Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 22: Cruise tourism in India reached a new milestone as operations officially commenced at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) — the country’s largest and most modern cruise terminal — on Monday. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the operations at a ceremonial launch event held at the state-of-the-art terminal located at Ballard Pier.
Developed under the Cruise Bharat Mission, MICT boasts a built-up area of over 4.15 lakh sq. ft. and is equipped to handle one million passengers annually, with a daily capacity of 10,000 passengers. With a project cost of Rs 556 cr, MICT is expected to play a transformative role in making India a prominent destination in global cruise tourism.
“The MICT is built to match global standards and will be a game-changer for the Indian cruise industry. With top-class amenities and strategic connectivity, it adds immense value to our tourism and maritime sectors,” Minister Sonowal stated at the event.
The terminal features 72 check-in and immigration counters, spacious facilities for passenger movement, and the capacity to berth five cruise ships simultaneously with 11-metre draft and up to 300-metre vessel length. It also offers parking for over 300 vehicles.
In addition to launching MICT, the minister inaugurated several key infrastructure landmarks including the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, Fort House Ballard Estate, and Evelyn House in Colaba, highlighting Mumbai’s maritime heritage.
As part of India’s Green Port Initiative, he also inaugurated shore-to-ship electric supply and a newly developed Sagar Upvan Garden.
On the same day, the minister also participated in an MoU signing ceremony related to massive infrastructure development at Vadhavan Port, totalling investments of over Rs 5,700 crore. The agreements include the development of:
- A terminal for container, bulk, and liquid cargo (Rs 4,200 crore),
- A dedicated terminal for bulk and liquid cargo (Rs 1,000 crore),
- A liquid cargo jetty and tank farm with 3,00,000 CBM capacity (Rs 500 crore).
With these initiatives, India signals its rising commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure and promoting eco-friendly tourism on global standards.