Mumbai is now stepping into a transformative era of marine tourism with the inauguration of India’s largest iconic international cruise terminal. The city is preparing to welcome a wave of global travelers via this terminal. Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal officially inaugurated the international cruise terminal in Mumbai on April 21. This state-of-the-art facility marks a historic moment in India's maritime journey, opening a new sea gateway for Mumbaikars and solidifying the city’s position on the world tourism map.
Taking to X, Sonowal wrote, “Adding momentum to the Cruise Bharat Mission, delighted to launch commercial operations from the brand new Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) along with Union MoS Shri @Shantanu_bjp ji. India's largest cruise terminal, MICT is designed to handle upto 1 million passengers a year, with the capacity to manage five cruise ships at a time. Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision of making Bharat a global cruise hub is pushing us to develop world-standard infra for tourists, resulting in a 454% increase in cruise passengers in the last 10 years. With the aim of 1 million cruise passengers by 2029, MICT will bolster India's goal to be a top cruise destination.”
A Landmark Project Under the Sagarmala InitiativeThis cruise terminal is a flagship project under the central government’s Sagarmala initiative. It is the first of its kind in India, built on an expansive area of 4.15 lakh square feet. The terminal’s construction was initially expected to be completed by July 2024. However, due to delays in technical work and execution, the deadline was extended to December 2024. After high-speed efforts in recent months, the terminal is now complete and ready to offer world-class cruise services to Indian and international tourists.
Rs 555 Crore Investment Towards Marine InfrastructureThe total cost for building the terminal stands at Rs 555 crore. Of this, Rs 303 crore has been contributed by the Mumbai Port Authority, while Rs 192 crore has come from private sector partners. This public-private partnership model has made it possible to create a world-class terminal that includes advanced amenities like fast-track immigration, luxury retail outlets, gourmet dining options, and multi-level parking. The project also aims to become a revenue-generating hub, contributing significantly to the local and national marine economy.
A World-Class Terminal With Massive CapacityThe new cruise terminal is designed to handle over 200 cruise ships and more than 10 Lakh passengers annually. With 22 elevators, 10 escalators, and parking space for 300 vehicles, the terminal offers top-notch comfort and convenience. Additionally, features like multi-level passenger operations and modern security systems promise a seamless experience for travelers. Tourists can also enjoy luxury services, making the terminal not just a transit point but an experiential destination in itself.
Tourism Boost and Job Creation on the HorizonAs marine tourism expands, this terminal is expected to become a key employment generator and catalyst for economic development. Local sectors like hospitality, transportation, handicrafts, and the arts will benefit from the influx of tourists. With more cruise liners docking in Mumbai, the city stands to gain a stronger global identity, giving rise to fresh opportunities for local talent and businesses. Officials believe this development will firmly establish Mumbai as a top maritime tourism hub in South Asia.