Tuesday 07 / October / 2025
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Indira Dock on September 20. It is a landmark project that signals India’s entry into the world of cruise tourism.
The unveiling of this state-of-the-art facility, spread across 4,15,000 square feet, marks a defining moment not only for Mumbai but for the country’s maritime ambitions.
As the largest facility dedicated to cruise tourism in India, MICT is designed to place Mumbai alongside iconic global cruise hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, and Miami.
He thanked the port and marine sector professionals for the MoU signed yesterday and highlighted that India's path to prosperity depends on self-reliance, especially through initiatives like "Chip to Ship". Bhavnagar has now become a hub for turning the country's maritime potential into growth.
The PM observed that self-reliance is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the solution to the nation's challenges, with India's coastline serving as a gateway to prosperity. The Government of India is implementing policy reforms in the marine sector to revive the country's maritime heritage. The Prime Minister noted that India has no enemies; the real threat is dependence on other nations, said a release from the Gujarat CMO.
The Prime Minister mentioned that realising Atmanirbhar Bharat requires citizens to adopt the motto 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. He urged Gujarat's traders to display "Garv Thi Kaho, Aa Swadeshi che (promote and be proud of domestically made products) stickers to promote domestic products. He emphasised the inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to boost port-based industry and cruise tourism, alongside ongoing port development, shipbuilding, and recycling projects in Gujarat.
The PM noted that building Atmanirbhar Bharat requires overcoming challenges and standing strong globally. After independence, restrictive policies forced India to rely on foreign ships, paying 75 billion (Rs 6 lakh crore) annually. This is changing with the construction of 40 indigenous vessels, including INS Vikrant, using domestic steel and materials, a true example of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The government has introduced major reforms to reshape maritime trade, including five restructured laws set to transform the port sector. India's heritage of building large ships is being revived, with large ships now granted infrastructure status, ensuring easier bank loans and interest relief to reduce the burden on shipping companies.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes and highlighted Gujarat's Seva Pakhwada, which collected one lakh blood units and held 30,000 health camps. The recent GST reduction is expected to boost market activity ahead of Diwali. The PM wished citizens for Navratri, recalling Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji's legacy.
Highlighting shipbuilding, the Prime Minister called it the foundation of industries, supporting multiple sectors, generating employment, and playing a key role in India's economic growth. Initiatives like Sagarmala have strengthened India's maritime trade, with plans to triple its current volume. India is now among the top three global players in this sector.
The maritime industry has a multiplier effect, where 100 shipping jobs create 600 related jobs. To build skilled manpower, an ecosystem connecting ITIs, Maritime Universities, the Navy, and NCC has been developed. Over the past 11 years, port capacity has doubled, ship turnaround time has been reduced to under a day, and a deepwater container transhipment port has been launched in Kerala.
Among these, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal stands out as both a symbol of India’s maritime rise and an engine of growth for the blue economy.
Developed at a cost of $64 million (₹556 crore), the four-level (G+3) complex is capable of handling one million passengers annually, with the ability to accommodate nearly 10,000 travellers on a single day.
Its scale, efficiency, and design set new benchmarks for how India envisions its ports—not merely as transit hubs but as destinations in their own right.
This modern facility was carefully crafted to address both functionality and passenger experience. With berthing capacity for up to five cruise liners at once and an expansive 1,70,000-square-foot operational area, the terminal can handle peak-season traffic with ease.
It is meticulously planned to align with global cruise schedules, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers from across the world.
For passengers, the MICT offers a seamless travel experience from entry to embarkation.
The terminal houses 72 check-in and immigration counters, ensuring minimal wait times even during high footfall. A dedicated parking space for over 300 vehicles adds another layer of convenience, while the layout prioritises efficiency without compromising on comfort.
The interiors carry a distinctive architectural identity. A ceiling designed to mimic ocean waves, benches styled in wave motifs, and expansive glass-panelled walls overlooking the Arabian Sea bring the maritime theme alive.
These design elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also create an atmosphere of calm and anticipation for travellers about to set sail. With a blend of operational speed and aesthetic charm, the terminal transforms the routine of travel into an immersive experience.
What makes the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal stand apart is its vision to serve beyond cruise travellers.
Unlike conventional ports, MICT has been designed as a space for locals and visitors alike. Public access areas will offer shopping, leisure, and recreation, ensuring that the terminal remains vibrant year-round.
This integration of lifestyle and infrastructure represents a new paradigm where ports evolve into cultural and recreational hubs, blending utility with creativity.
By opening its doors to the public, the MICT embodies inclusivity. It is not only a symbol of India’s maritime prowess but also a new landmark for Mumbai—a place where citizens can connect with the sea, celebrate their city’s heritage, and participate in a shared journey of growth.
Cruise Bharat Mission and the Blue Economy
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal forms a central pillar of the government’s ambitious “Cruise Bharat Mission.”
This mission aims to revolutionise cruise tourism by expanding options across oceans, rivers, and island circuits, thereby unlocking new destinations for both domestic and international travellers.
Projections suggest that MICT will handle around 200 cruise ships annually, each carrying up to 500 passengers.
This influx will generate direct and indirect economic benefits, from boosting revenues in hospitality and retail to creating employment in tourism-related industries.
The ripple effect on the blue economy will be substantial, with the cruise sector adding dynamism to India’s coastal regions, small businesses, and service networks.
The timing of this launch could not have been more strategic. As the global cruise industry rebounds from the pandemic slump, India’s investment in large-scale maritime infrastructure demonstrates readiness and ambition.
The MICT signals to global operators and travellers alike that India is prepared to anchor itself firmly on the global cruise map.
A cultural and tourism asset
Beyond its logistical strengths, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is poised to become a cultural and tourism icon.
As a point of entry for international visitors, it presents Mumbai—and by extension, India—as a destination that values beauty, efficiency, and hospitality.
For domestic travellers, it opens new possibilities for sea voyages, transforming the idea of holidays and leisure in India.
Its design also tells a story. From the wave-patterned ceiling to the vast sea-facing glass walls, the MICT captures the essence of India’s maritime heritage while projecting its modern aspirations.
It is a space where tradition meets innovation, where travellers embark not only on cruises but on a journey through India’s evolving identity as a global power.
Sailing into the future
The inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is a turning point for India’s maritime journey.
It embodies the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth, showcases the country’s rising global stature, and offers tangible benefits through job creation, tourism growth, and expanded trade.
It also reflects a deeper philosophy: that ports are not merely logistical nodes but engines of culture, commerce, and connectivity.
As the tricolour unfurled above the terminal on its inauguration day, it carried with it a message of confidence and pride.
Mumbai, long known as the gateway to India, is now poised to become the gateway of South Asia’s cruise tourism. The MICT is not simply a project—it is a vision anchored in India’s maritime history and sailing into its global future.
With unmatched capacity, world-class amenities, and alignment with the Cruise Bharat Mission, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is set to redefine India’s place on the global cruise map.
It promises not only to elevate the experience of travellers but also to expand the horizons of India’s blue economy.
As ships berth at Indira Dock and passengers set foot into this architectural marvel, they will be greeted not just by efficiency and elegance but by a nation ready to chart its next course across the seas of opportunity.
