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India’s ₹556-Crore Mumbai International Cruise Terminal Now Operational, To Boost Tourism

Equipped to handle a million passengers annually, the terminal marks a new era for Indian cruises.

by Siddhi Tendulkar
India’s ₹556-Crore Mumbai International Cruise Terminal Now Operational, To Boost Tourism

India has launched its most ambitious cruise infrastructure project yet — the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). Located at Ballard Pier, the ₹556-crore terminal officially began operations on April 21, 2025. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility to revolutionise India’s cruise tourism industry.

A Gateway To Global Cruising At The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal

The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is now India’s largest facility of its kind. It boasts the capacity to host 10,000 passengers per day and one million annually. As reported by The Economic Times, it can berth five ships simultaneously, including vessels up to 300 metres in length.

The terminal is part of the government’s larger “Cruise India Mission,” which aims to position India as a prime global cruise destination. The terminal features world-class amenities, including immigration counters, retail spaces, and waiting lounges designed to cater to international travellers.

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Notably, the terminal’s design integrates eco-friendly technologies and digital systems for efficient passenger movement and sustainable operations. This positions MICT as not just a tourism hub, but a model for green infrastructure in the maritime sector.

Strategic Investment And Infrastructure

The construction of MICT follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Mumbai Port Authority, JM Baxi & Co., and Ballard Pier Port Pvt Ltd. According to Business Standard, this joint venture invested ₹556 crore in developing the project to support the Indian government’s Sagarmala initiative.

Minister Sonowal highlighted the project’s economic potential during the inauguration, stating that the terminal will significantly boost the tourism economy and create substantial employment opportunities across various sectors.

The facility will boost local businesses, including hospitality, transport, and retail, as cruise tourism grows significantly over the next decade.

Part Of A Larger Port Vision

Alongside the MICT launch, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced additional maritime infrastructure projects worth ₹5,700 crore at the upcoming Vadhavan Port. As reported by Mint, these include terminals for handling bulk, liquid, and container cargo.

The opening of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is expected to drive international cruise liners to Indian shores and give a significant push to coastal tourism. It stands as a major milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a cruise tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

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With enhanced connectivity and world-class facilities, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal marks the dawn of a new maritime chapter for India. It is poised to attract both international and domestic tourists, ensuring long-term economic growth and positioning Mumbai as a key player in the global cruise industry.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro

First Published: April 22, 2025 1:09 PM