Sarbananda Sonowal launches cruise operations at MICT- India's largest cruise terminal

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 21 (ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Mospw), Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India's largest cruise terminal, on Monday.
The Union Minister also inaugurated the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks as well as renovated two heritage buildings -- Fort House, Ballard Estate, and Evelyn House at Colaba. Sonowal also inaugurated the Sagar Upvan garden along with the Shore to Ship Electric Supply under the Green Port Initiative.
The MICT, developed as per Cruise Bharat Mission, was developed as per latest global standards and is expected to take a pioneering role in developing cruise tourism in India. Spread over a built up area of more than 4,15,000 Square Feet, the MICT is developed at Ballard Pier. MICT is India's largest world class cruise terminal.
Equipped with 72 check-in and Immigration counters spreading over an area of 2,07,000 Square Feet on the first two floors (G+1), while the other two floors (2+3) are developed as Commercial Floors. The newly inaugurated MICT is designed to handle 1 million passengers every year, with an approximate 10,000 passengers per day. It can also handle 5 ships simultaneously, with an 11-meter draft and up to 300 meters in length. At the parking space, more than 300 vehicles can be parked simultaneously:

Speaking on the commencement of Cruise Service from MICT, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, "The maritime history of Mumbai is rich and an integral part of our civilisation. As a coastal hub, it has served the nation handsomely with its bustling coastal business. It is only logical that we work towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's vision of 'Bharat becoming a global cruise hub through its state-of-the-art infrastructure.' Today, Mumbai, with its longstanding repute as a major maritime hub in the world, commenced Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal
Terminal, providing passengers with modern amenities for a better and safer experience. This adds to our existing top-class international terminals at Visakhapatnam and Chennai. To celebrate the heroic contribution of Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel, the newly renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks celebrates their distinctive service to the nation."
MICT has been designed with a wavy ceiling reflecting the maritime identity with functional and minimalist architecture. MICT blends modern design with Mumbai's maritime spirit--featuring fluid architecture, rose gold accents, and a sweeping ceiling. From heritage-inspired entry to sleek interiors with wave seating, selfie points, and maritime plaques, it offers a serene yet vibrant gateway to India's emerging global cruise hub. MICT will provide an enhanced passenger experience and position Mumbai as one of the major hubs for cruise tourism hubs. The total investment in the MICT project has been Rs556 crores.
Elaborating on the vision of the Cruise Bharat Mission, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "PM Narendra Modi ji's call for port-led prosperity has redefined our maritime ambitions. We also give momentum to the 'Cruise Bharat Mission'--our resolve to make
Bharat is one of the top cruise destinations in the world. The mission embraces three pillars--Ocean & Harbour Cruises, River and Inland Cruises, and Island & Lighthouse Cruises. With a comprehensive strategy that combines digital ease, circuit integration, environmental sustainability, and global partnerships, this is India's cruise awakening --bold, inclusive, and future-ready. Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India's maritime sector has witnessed an astonishing transformation. it is the story of an India that believes in its potential & invests in its people."
The renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, which was inaugurated by the Minister, is a solemn tribute to the Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel for their distinguished service to the nation. The fire memorial is renovated with a "Golden Tears" theme as the tragic event which golden bricks were blown in the surrounding area of the Port. To promote heritage and tourism, facade lighting was inaugurated at two iconic heritage buildings of MbPA - Port House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba, adding to the aesthetic and historical appeal of the city's legacy.
In a boost to the Green Port Initiative, the Shore to Ship Electric Supply at MbPA. This will help Tug boats and Coast Guard vessels, reduce emissions, bring in operational efficiency and reduce noise pollution. MbPA's commitment to environmental sustainability and modernisation of port infrastructure, providing shore-based electric power, will significantly enhance energy efficiency and operational cleanliness.
The rejuvenated Sagar Upvan Garden at Colaba were also inaugurated today. This was done with support from Tata Trusts, the MbPA undertook extensive repair and enhancement work were undertaken, including the restoration of the compound wall, construction of facilities for gardeners, along with a 25000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant. Rich with more than 500 varieties of plants, it has scenic views of the Arabian Sea as well as Sassoon Docks. It has lush green lawns, sea-facing benches, and pathways ideal for jogging and walking, along with a living laboratory for botany students and nature enthusiasts.
The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also attended MoU Signing ceremony for the development of Infrastructure projects with an investment worth more than Rs5700 crores at Vadhavan Port here today. The agreements were signed for the development of a terminal for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo with an investment of Rs4200 crores, development of a dedicated terminal for handling bulk and liquid cargo with an investment of Rs1,000 crores and development of a liquid cargo jetty and a tank farm with a capacity of 3,00,000 CBM for handling liquefied chemicals and related products with an investment of Rs500 crores.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Our dynamic leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given us a vision of transforming Vadhavan Port to become one of the Top 10 Global ports. As the Vadhavan Port project
is likely to power up India's current capacity by more than three times, this is all all-weather, green field deep draft major port that is going to act as a game changer for not only India's maritime sector, but also enable regional trade. As India is poised to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, this port is likely to act as a major growth multiplier. In this regard, the MoUs signed today add towards the creation of infrastructure and capacity of the Vadhavan port and help us take another step towards realising the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji."
The inauguration of fuel dispensing infrastructure -- including two HSD units, one gasoline unit, and a fast electric vehicle (EV) charger -- further bolsters the port's push towards sustainable mobility within the operational area. The event also included the formal handover of key land assets. A charge certificate of the plot at Malet Bundar was handed over to JNPA for its corporate building. Another plot at Reay Road was transferred to the Hare Krishna Mission for social and community activities. Additionally, the E Shed at Mumbai Port was handed over to M/s. Ruchi India Logistics to strengthen port-led logistics operations.
The Cruise Bharat Mission has set ambitious yet achievable goals like Development of 10 international sea cruise terminals, creation of 100 river cruise terminals, Launch of 5 marinas along our coast, Seamless integration of more than 5000 km of waterways, Aiming for 1 million sea cruise passengers and 1.5 million river cruise passengers by 2029,
creation of over 400 thousand direct and indirect jobs across the cruise value chain. Since 2014, the government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has led to the transformation of the maritime sector.
The cargo handled at the major port surged from 556 MMT in 2014 to 854 MMT in 2024-25, while coastal cargo grew by 119%. The inland water cargo rose from 6.89 MMT to 133 MMT--a leap of over 1800%. The cruise passengers increased from 85,000 in 2014 to 4.71 lakh today, a phenomenal growth of 454%. (ANI)