The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal will be inaugurated by PM Modi today.
India’s largest facility for cruise tourism, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The terminal was built as part of a broader vision to transform the eastern waterfront of Mumbai.
The terminal was built under the Cruise Bharat mission, an initiative to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and make Mumbai a cruise tourism destination. The mission is to be implemented in three phases and began on 1 October 2024 and will go on until 31 March 2029.
Here are ten things you should know about the cruise terminal:
1. The MICT is located in the South Mumbai Ballard Pier area at the Indira Dock. It was opened in April this year, and the Union Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal, had flagged off the Cordelia Cruises ship from the port.
2. The terminal was built by the Mumbai Port Authority for ₹556 crore, The daily operations are managed by Ballard Pier Port and JM Baxi and Co
3. The terminal covers over 415,000 square feet and is one of India's largest facilities dedicated to cruise operations.
4. The complex is four levels and is expected to handle over one million passengers each year, which means about 10,000 travellers each day.
5. There are about 72 check-in and immigration counters on the ground and first floors. The two upper floors are planned for commercial activities.
6. The terminal can berth up to five cruise liners at once. The berths can accommodate vessels that are up to 300 metres long with an 11-meter draft. The parking bay can accommodate over 300 vehicles.
7. The interior design was for the terminal was done by Somaya Sampat and aimed to create an art infused enviornment. The terminal has a wavy design ceiling that mimics the the oceanfront location. The interior design is minimalist and functional.
8. The facility also has a shore-to-ship electric power supply system, which reduces emissions.
9. Authorities expect that there will be about 900 cruise calls annually by 2030.
10. The terminal is also a designed space for the public for recreation and shopping
Other projects will also be inaugurated by the PM today, including the Renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, Heritage lighting at Port House, and Evelyn House Sagar Upvan garden.
