How is PM Modi Boosting India's Tourism with the Inauguration of Mumbai International Cruise Terminal?

Mumbai, Sep 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal during the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event held in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) and the expanding cruise tourism sector in India.

The Mumbai Port Authority is spearheading the transformation of India's cruise tourism landscape, which has witnessed a post-Covid passenger influx of nearly 250,000 annual visitors and approximately 100 cruise calls each year, encompassing both domestic and international routes.

During the event, PM Modi stated, "In the 21st century, India perceives the ocean as a vast opportunity. Recently, numerous projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and laid as foundations to enhance port development. To foster cruise tourism, the International Cruise Terminal was also inaugurated today in Mumbai."

Aligned with the Cruise Bharat Mission initiated in September 2024 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) has been constructed to global standards, aiming to solidify India's presence on the international cruise map.

Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, remarked that this terminal's inauguration is in line with the Prime Minister's vision to provide a cruise experience to the general populace of the country.

He told IANS, "We manage over 100 cruise calls annually, serving over 150,000 customers. With the introduction of new services, we anticipate an increase in customers. Over the past decade, especially among the youth, there has been a notable rise in those utilizing cruise services."

As part of a national action plan to modernize and enhance cruise tourism infrastructure, the old 25,000 sq ft terminal at Ballard Pier has been revitalized into India's largest world-class cruise terminal.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 556 crore, encompasses a built-up area of 415,000 sq. ft., designed to handle 1 million passengers annually and accommodate up to 5 ships simultaneously, as stated by Adesh Titarmare.

The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chairperson of MbPA and the CEO of MMB for the establishment of a mega shipbuilding cluster in Maharashtra.

This occasion highlighted a significant advancement in India's maritime and shipbuilding domain, unveiling a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering shipbuilding capabilities.

It showcased the Mumbai Port Authority's comprehensive approach to development, merging infrastructure expansion, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Present at the event were Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran, Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha, and Joint Secretary R. Lakshmanan.