In a significant step toward transforming India into a premier global cruise destination, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) was officially inaugurated on April 21 by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal . The ₹556-crore project, located at Ballard Pier, marks India’s most ambitious cruise infrastructure development to date.
MICT now stands as the country’s largest cruise terminal, with the capacity to handle 10,000 passengers per day and up to one million annually. The facility features the ability to berth five cruise ships at once, accommodating vessels up to 300 metres in length. Designed with international standards in mind, the terminal includes modern immigration counters, retail outlets, spacious waiting lounges, and integrated digital systems for seamless passenger movement.
The terminal was developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Mumbai Port Authority, JM Baxi & Co., and Ballard Pier Port Pvt Ltd. It aligns with the Indian government’s broader “Cruise India Mission” and supports the Sagarmala initiative, aimed at enhancing port-led development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Sonowal underscored the terminal’s potential to stimulate economic growth and employment across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transport, and retail. “The opening of MICT is a landmark in India’s maritime journey and a catalyst for the cruise tourism sector,” he stated.
A key highlight of MICT is its focus on sustainability. The terminal incorporates eco-friendly design elements and smart infrastructure for energy-efficient and environmentally conscious operations. This makes it not only a gateway for international cruise tourists but also a model for green port development in India.
In conjunction with the MICT launch, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced upcoming maritime infrastructure investments worth ₹5,700 crore at the future Vadhavan Port. These projects include new terminals for bulk, liquid, and container cargo handling, further strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
With the commissioning of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, India is poised to welcome more international cruise liners and establish itself as a prominent player in Asia-Pacific’s coastal tourism market. The new terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger experience and driving sustained growth in the sector.
MICT now stands as the country’s largest cruise terminal, with the capacity to handle 10,000 passengers per day and up to one million annually. The facility features the ability to berth five cruise ships at once, accommodating vessels up to 300 metres in length. Designed with international standards in mind, the terminal includes modern immigration counters, retail outlets, spacious waiting lounges, and integrated digital systems for seamless passenger movement.
The terminal was developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Mumbai Port Authority, JM Baxi & Co., and Ballard Pier Port Pvt Ltd. It aligns with the Indian government’s broader “Cruise India Mission” and supports the Sagarmala initiative, aimed at enhancing port-led development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Sonowal underscored the terminal’s potential to stimulate economic growth and employment across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transport, and retail. “The opening of MICT is a landmark in India’s maritime journey and a catalyst for the cruise tourism sector,” he stated.
A key highlight of MICT is its focus on sustainability. The terminal incorporates eco-friendly design elements and smart infrastructure for energy-efficient and environmentally conscious operations. This makes it not only a gateway for international cruise tourists but also a model for green port development in India.
In conjunction with the MICT launch, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced upcoming maritime infrastructure investments worth ₹5,700 crore at the future Vadhavan Port. These projects include new terminals for bulk, liquid, and container cargo handling, further strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
With the commissioning of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, India is poised to welcome more international cruise liners and establish itself as a prominent player in Asia-Pacific’s coastal tourism market. The new terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger experience and driving sustained growth in the sector.
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