Gigantic Gateway: Mumbai Opens India's Largest Cruise Facility

The city of Mumbai has marked a significant milestone in its maritime history and tourism sector with the inauguration of India's largest cruise terminal, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), situated at Ballard Pier. The official commencement of cruise operations took place on April 21, 2025, under the patronage of the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This state-of-the-art terminal is a flagship project of the government's ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission, aimed at positioning India as a premier global hub for cruise tourism.

Gigantic Gateway: Mumbai Opens India's Largest Cruise Facility

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Key Highlights Of The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal:

1) Largest Capacity: MICT is now the largest cruise terminal in India, capable of handling one million passengers annually, with a daily capacity of approximately 10,000 passengers. It can simultaneously accommodate five cruise ships of up to 300 meters in length and with an 11-meter draft.

2) Extensive Infrastructure: The terminal is spread over a built-up area exceeding 4.15 lakh square feet and comprises four floors. Two floors are dedicated to passenger processing, featuring 72 check-in and immigration counters. The remaining two floors are designed for commercial use, adhering to international standards.

3) Modern Amenities and Design: The architecture of MICT draws inspiration from the maritime heritage of Mumbai, featuring a wavy ceiling, rose gold accents, and wave-shaped seating. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities including 22 elevators and 10 escalators to ensure a seamless experience for passengers. It also offers parking space for over 300 vehicles.

4) Strategic Location: Located at Ballard Pier, MICT is in close proximity to iconic Mumbai landmarks such as the Gateway of India and Colaba, aiming to become a significant tourism and lifestyle destination.

5) Investment: The development of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal involved a total investment of ₹556 crore.

Inauguration Ceremony And Additional Initiatives

The inauguration event was graced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who also unveiled several other initiatives aimed at boosting maritime tourism and heritage in Mumbai:

1) Restoration of Heritage Buildings: Two iconic heritage buildings of the Mumbai Port Authority – Fort House in Ballard Estate and Evelyn House in Colaba – have been beautifully restored and illuminated with new façade lighting to enhance their aesthetic and historical appeal.

2) Revival of Fire Memorial: The Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks was also renovated under the theme “Golden Tears,” serving as a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Mumbai Port's fire personnel.

3) Rejuvenation of Sagar Upvan Garden: The Sagar Upvan garden in Colaba has been restored, featuring over 500 plant species, sea-facing pathways, and a sewage treatment facility developed with the support of Tata Trusts.

4) Green Port Initiative: As part of sustainable development, a Shore-to-Ship Electric Supply system was launched at the terminal. This system allows docked ships to utilize onshore power, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution. Additionally, new fuel dispensing units and a fast EV charging station were inaugurated at the port.

Cruise Bharat Mission And Growth Of Cruise Tourism In India

The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is a vital component of the Cruise Bharat Mission, launched on September 30, 2024. This mission aims to:

1) stablish 10 sea cruise terminals and 100 river cruise terminals across India by 2029.

2) Achieve 2.5 million cruise passengers annually.

3) Generate over 4 lakh jobs in the cruise tourism sector.

The Cruise Bharat Mission is being implemented in three phases, with the goal of doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years. India's cruise tourism sector has already witnessed significant growth, with passenger numbers increasing by 454% since 2014, reaching 4.71 lakh in the fiscal year 2023-24. The inauguration of MICT is expected to further accelerate this growth, positioning Mumbai as a major international cruise hub and contributing significantly to the national economy.

Development At Vadhavan Port

During the inauguration event, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹5,700 crore were signed for infrastructure development at the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. These projects include the development of container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminals, as well as a tank farm for handling liquefied chemicals. The development of Vadhavan Port is envisioned to make it one of the top 10 global ports, further boosting India's maritime trade and connectivity.

The inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal signifies a major leap forward for India's cruise tourism sector, enhancing infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and showcasing India's rich maritime heritage to the world. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, MICT is poised to become a pivotal gateway for both domestic and international cruise travel.