India introduces its largest cruise terminal in Mumbai

Aligned with India’s Cruise Bharat Mission, Mumbai’s mega terminal promises global appeal, economic growth, and revolutionary maritime infrastructure.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier in a historic move that promises to redefine India’s position in the global cruise tourism industry. This terminal, which is part of the government’s ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, is the largest in the country and one of the most advanced in Asia, with the capacity to handle over one million passengers per year.

The terminal covers 415,000 square feet and features modern facilities that meet international standards. The terminal’s first two floors, totalling approximately 207,000 square feet, are dedicated to passenger processing, with 72 check-in and immigration counters to ensure a smooth and efficient boarding experience. The remaining two floors are set aside for commercial use, broadening the terminal’s scope beyond transportation and incorporating a variety of retail and leisure options. The terminal, which can handle approximately 10,000 passengers per day and accommodate five cruise ships at once—including those up to 300 metres long and with an 11-metre draft—was designed to support Mumbai’s growing importance as a maritime hub. It also has parking spaces for over 300 vehicles.

MICT is distinguished by its design as well as its size. The architecture draws inspiration from the sea, with a wavy ceiling, rose gold tones, and a minimalistic aesthetic that evokes the calm of the ocean. The terminal features heritage-style entryways, wave-inspired seating areas, selfie stations, and plaques commemorating Mumbai’s rich maritime heritage, seamlessly blending modern infrastructure and cultural identity.

Shri Sonowal emphasised the historical significance of Mumbai as a maritime centre, stating that the city’s evolution as a shipping hub has long been integral to India’s trade and cultural development. He added that the terminal reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a leading global cruise destination. With MICT now operational, the government hopes to provide a world-class experience to international and domestic cruise passengers while also boosting economic activity along the coast.

The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is a key component of the broader ‘Cruise Bharat Mission,’ which aims to develop cruise tourism across multiple verticals, including ocean and harbour cruises, riverine and island-based excursions. The government’s strategy aims to combine infrastructure development, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. The initiative also encourages private and public sector participation in terminal development, smart technology integration, and environmentally responsible operations.

During the event, Shri Sonowal dedicated the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks to the personnel of the Mumbai Port Fire Service. The ‘Golden Tears’ memorial commemorates those who died in a tragic incident in which golden bricks were scattered as a result of an explosion. This renovation is part of a broader initiative to acknowledge the port’s legacy and those who served it with courage and dedication.

The event added to Mumbai’s architectural and cultural charm by launching façade lighting at two historic buildings owned by the Mumbai Port Authority: Port House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House in Colaba. These lighting installations are intended to highlight the heritage value of these structures while also adding to the city’s nighttime visual appeal.

Shri Sonowal inaugurated the ‘Shore to Ship Electric Supply’ system at the Mumbai Port Authority, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability. This green port initiative allows docked vessels to receive electric power directly from the shore, reducing the need for diesel generators, lowering emissions, and promoting cleaner port operations. The system will initially serve tugboats and Coast Guard vessels, and it is expected to significantly reduce the port’s carbon footprint.

The opening of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal marks an expansion of infrastructure and a strategic shift in India’s approach to maritime tourism and sustainable development. It reflects a comprehensive vision in which cultural heritage, economic progress, and environmental responsibility all work together to put Mumbai—and India—on the global cruise map.