Mumbai Unveils India's Largest Cruise Terminal in Major Push for Maritime Tourism
In a landmark moment for India's maritime and tourism ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), a state-of-the-art facility poised to establish the city as a premier global cruise hub. The sprawling, world-class terminal, built at a cost of ₹556 crore, is the largest in the country and stands as the flagship project of the new ‘Cruise Bharat Mission,’ a nationwide initiative to develop India's port infrastructure and capture a larger share of the lucrative international cruise market.
A New Gateway Engineered for Scale and Efficiency
Located at the historic Indira Dock, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is a marvel of modern engineering, designed from the ground up to handle a massive volume of international travelers with seamless efficiency. The sprawling 415,000-square-foot facility has the capacity to welcome up to one million passengers annually, with the ability to process between 10,000 and 15,000 travelers on any given day. In a significant boost to its operational capabilities, the terminal's berth can accommodate up to five large cruise ships simultaneously, a feature that will allow Mumbai to host multiple international liners at once. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free passenger experience, the terminal is equipped with 72 dedicated check-in and immigration counters, drastically reducing processing times and setting a new standard for cruise travel in India.
A Statement in Design and Sustainability
Beyond its impressive scale, the MICT is also a statement in architectural design and environmental responsibility. The terminal's most striking visual feature is its unique, wavy ceiling, a design element that deliberately mimics the maritime identity of its oceanfront location. The interior is designed to be both functional and minimalist, creating a comfortable and intuitive environment for passengers. In a key nod to sustainability, the facility includes a shore-to-ship electric power supply system. This allows docked cruise ships to plug directly into the local power grid, enabling them to shut down their main engines while berthed and significantly reducing harmful emissions and noise pollution in the port area.
The Flagship of a Broader Maritime Vision
The inauguration of the new cruise terminal is the centerpiece of a much larger strategic push by the government to overhaul the nation's maritime infrastructure. The event is part of a broader 'Samudra se Samriddhi' (Prosperity from the Seas) initiative, under which the Prime Minister is launching a series of maritime sector projects valued at over ₹7,800 crore. These include new container facilities at key ports in Kolkata and Paradip and a green bio-methanol plant at Deendayal Port. The MICT, therefore, is not a standalone project but the most visible symbol of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at enhancing trade, boosting high-end tourism, and solidifying India's position as a major player in the global maritime economy.
Terminal Highlights
Landmark Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India's largest and most advanced cruise facility.
Massive Scale and Capacity: Built for ₹556 crore, the terminal can handle one million passengers annually and berth five cruise ships simultaneously, positioning Mumbai as a global cruise hub.
Focus on Efficiency and Sustainability: The facility features 72 immigration counters for smooth processing and a shore-to-ship power system to reduce emissions from docked vessels.
Part of a National Maritime Push: The launch is the flagship project of the 'Cruise Bharat Mission' and part of a wider ₹7,800 crore investment in India's maritime infrastructure.
