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India has taken a major step in improving its maritime tourism and trade with the opening of the new Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). On Monday, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the cruise services from this brand-new terminal built at Ballard Pier, Mumbai. This terminal, costing ₹556 crore, is now the biggest cruise terminal in the country and is set to change how passengers travel by sea in India.
Modern Terminal with World-Class Facilities
The MICT is built over a large area of 4,15,000 square feet and is designed to handle one million passengers every year. It can serve up to 10,000 passengers each day. With 72 check-in and immigration counters, the terminal promises a smooth and safe experience for travelers.
The terminal can manage five cruise ships at the same time. It is designed for ships with a length of up to 300 meters and a draft of 11 meters. The building has 22 lifts, 10 escalators, and parking space for 300 cars. The lower floors are used for passenger movement, while the upper floors have retail shops, restaurants, and leisure areas.
More Than Just a Terminal
Along with the MICT, Sonowal also opened other projects. He inaugurated the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, as well as two heritage buildings - Fort House Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba. He also launched the Sagar Upvan garden and started the Shore to Ship Electric Supply under the 'Green Port' Initiative, showing India's efforts to care for the environment while improving port facilities.
Big Investment at Vadhavan Port
During the same event, important agreements (MoUs) were signed to develop infrastructure at Vadhavan Port. These agreements will bring in investments of over ₹5,700 crore. This includes ₹4,200 crore for container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminals, ₹1,000 crore for a separate bulk and liquid cargo terminal, and ₹500 crore for a tank farm and jetty to handle liquefied chemicals.
Sonowal said that the Vadhavan Port will be a game changer for India's port capacity. He added that this new all-weather, deep-draft port will boost India's trade and support the goal of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.
Cruise Lines Operating from MICT
Several well-known cruise lines are already operating from the new terminal. These include:
- Angriya Cruises - India's first domestic cruise line between Mumbai and Goa
- Cordelia Cruises - Luxury cruise line with different tour options
- Norwegian Cruise Line - An International cruise company with routes that include Mumbai
- Indian Ocean Cruise Line - A Mumbai-based cruise operator
These cruises offer both domestic trips and international luxury travel, giving passengers more choices.
The launch of MICT is a big step in improving India's maritime sector. It not only boosts tourism but also helps the country grow in international sea trade. With modern facilities and strong planning, India is preparing for a bright future in sea transport and cruise travel.
