India’s Mega Cruise Terminal Launches in Mumbai Today — Details Here

Mumbai is set to take a major leap in cruise tourism today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier. Developed under the ambitious ‘Cruise Bharat Mission,’ the terminal has been built to international standards and is expected to transform the city into a global cruise tourism hub.

Located at Indira Dock, the terminal has been constructed at a cost of ₹556 crore and spans an impressive 415,000 square feet. With its size and infrastructure, it stands as the largest cruise terminal in India. The project is a part of the larger national initiative to boost port infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance tourism experiences for both domestic and international travellers.

1. The terminal has the capacity to handle up to 1 million passengers annually, offering a daily flow of around 10,000 to 15,000 cruise travellers — a significant step toward positioning Mumbai on the global cruise map.

2. It is equipped to berth five cruise ships at the same time, with the ability to handle vessels up to 300 meters in length and 11 meters in draft, allowing it to host some of the world’s largest cruise liners.

3. For passenger convenience, the terminal includes 72 check-in and immigration counters, designed to streamline the boarding process and reduce waiting times.

4. The infrastructure also includes a dedicated parking zone that can accommodate over 300 vehicles, ensuring ease of access for tourists and staff.

Beyond functionality, MICT focuses on design and sustainability. The building features a distinctive wave-like ceiling that reflects its coastal identity, while the interior is clean, modern, and minimalist in its approach.

5. A shore-to-ship electric power system has been installed, allowing ships to connect to land-based electricity while docked, which significantly reduces emissions and promotes greener port operations.

The terminal is just one part of a much larger infrastructure upgrade being rolled out across India’s maritime sector. As part of the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event, the Prime Minister is also launching projects worth over ₹7,800 crore today, aimed at improving port efficiency and trade logistics. These include new container handling facilities at Kolkata and Paradip ports, as well as a green bio-methanol plant at Deendayal Port.

In parallel, several cultural and environmental upgrades are being unveiled to elevate Mumbai’s appeal as a tourist-friendly destination. These include the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, heritage lighting at Port House and Evelyn House, and an upgraded Sagar Upvan garden that promotes green, open public spaces.

6. The combination of world-class infrastructure, sustainable practices, and cultural restoration efforts makes MICT a symbol of modern India’s port development vision, aligning closely with the broader goals of the Cruise Bharat Mission.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the terminal as a historic addition to Mumbai’s maritime legacy and praised its role in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of turning India into a leading player in global cruise tourism.