India’s First International Cruise Terminal Inaugurated in Mumbai, Set to Handle 200 Cruises and 1 Million Passengers Annually
India’s First International Cruise Terminal Inaugurated in Mumbai, Set to Handle 200 Cruises and 1 Million Passengers Annually
In a landmark development for India’s maritime and tourism landscape, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) in Mazgaon, South Mumbai. As the country’s first and most advanced international cruise terminal, MICT is poised to transform Mumbai into a global cruise tourism hub.
The state-of-the-art facility, located at Ballard Pier, spans 4.15 lakh square feet and is designed to handle over 1 million cruise passengers annually. With capacity for 200 cruise ship visits per year, the terminal is expected to significantly boost international and domestic tourism, enhance employment, and stimulate local economies.
World-Class Infrastructure at Mumbai’s Maritime Gateway
MICT features modern facilities including 72 check-in and immigration counters, a multi-level parking complex for over 300 vehicles, and the ability to process 10,000 passengers daily. It can handle five cruise ships simultaneously, each up to 300 meters long and with a draft of 11 meters.
Of the total built-up space, 2.07 lakh square feet on the first two floors are dedicated to passenger services, while upper floors are designated for commercial activities. The terminal offers luxury retail, fine dining, and fast-track immigration services, creating a seamless experience for travelers.
Developed under the government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, the terminal was built at a cost of ₹556 crore, with ₹303 crore funded by the Mumbai Port Authority and the remainder by private sector partners — highlighting a robust public-private partnership model.
Commitment to Sustainability and Heritage
At the same event, Minister Sonowal inaugurated several heritage and green projects at the Mumbai Port Trust campus. These included the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, Fort House Ballard Estate, Evelyn House, and the Sagar Upvan Garden, developed under the Green Port Initiative. He also unveiled a shore-to-ship electric supply system, reinforcing India’s commitment to eco-friendly maritime infrastructure.
Boost to Cruise Tourism and Local Economy
MICT is expected to be a major economic catalyst, driving growth in hospitality, transport, tourism services, and local crafts. According to officials, cruise passenger numbers have already surged by 400% since 2014, and with plans to double cruise voyages under the Cruise India Mission, the momentum is set to continue.
“This new terminal is a significant milestone in India’s cruise tourism journey,” said Minister Sonowal. “Mumbai is reclaiming its place as a leading maritime city, not just in India, but on the global cruise map.”
₹5,700 Crore Investment Announced for Port Development
Further bolstering port infrastructure, Minister Sonowal witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs worth ₹5,700 crore for development at Vadhavan Port. Key projects include:
- A ₹4,200 crore container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminal
- A ₹1,000 crore dedicated bulk and liquid cargo terminal
- A ₹500 crore liquid cargo jetty and tank farm with 3,00,000 CBM capacity
These investments underline the government’s vision to strengthen India’s maritime logistics and trade capabilities.
