Mumbai, April 21, 2025 – The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India’s largest and most modern cruise terminal, was inaugurated today at Ballard Pier, Mumbai, with an aspiration of boosting the countries maritime and tourism industries. The first cruise was flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal during the grand ceremony, ushering in a new chapter in cruise tourism of India.
A State-of-the-Art Maritime Marvel
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, built across an area of 415,000 square feet, will accommodate one million passengers every year and up to 10,000 passengers in a single day. The terminal will have state-of-the-art facilities such as 50 immigration counters, ticketing facilities and high-end security to be managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) similar to international airports in India.
The architectural design of the terminal is inspired from the ocean, with its roof design that looks like ocean waves, provides a functional yet visually appealing space for travelers.
MICT can also handle five “large” cruise ships at a time, measuring 300 meters in length and 11 meters in draft. This has parking space for more than 300 vehicles, lawn greens, sea-facing benches and pathways to improve passenger experience. Restaurants and other amenities are open, making travel easy and comfortable.
Boosting Tourism and Maritime Trade
Speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the terminal’s role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of port-led prosperity under the Cruise Bharat Mission. “Today, Mumbai, with its long-standing reputation as a global maritime hub, commences cruise operations from the MICT, providing passengers with modern amenities for a safer and better experience,” he said.
The terminal is expected to attract 10 lakh (1 million) foreign tourists annually, significantly boosting India’s tourism industry. With the capacity to handle 200 cruise ships per year, the MICT positions Mumbai as a premier cruise tourism hub on the western coast of India, alongside existing terminals in Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
Green Initiatives and Heritage Preservation
In addition to the terminal’s launch, Minister Sonowal inaugurated several other projects, including the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, themed “Golden Tears,” and two heritage buildings—Fort House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba. The revamped Sagar Upvan garden and a Shore-to-Ship Electric Supply system under the Green Port Initiative were also unveiled, promoting sustainable maritime operations.
Advanced Infrastructure for Seamless Operations
The terminal’s first floor houses an advanced immigration and ticketing system, with 50–60 counters dedicated to processing passengers efficiently. The immigration process mirrors that of international airports, with thorough passport and baggage checks to ensure security and compliance. CCTV cameras are installed throughout the facility, and the CISF oversees the terminal’s safety, providing a secure environment for all travelers.
The MICT’s strategic location along the Arabian Sea enhances Mumbai’s connectivity to global cruise routes, enabling international voyages to commence directly from the city. The terminal is expected to transform the land-sea interface of Mumbai, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses.
A New Chapter for India’s Maritime Ambitions
With an investment of ₹556 crore, the MICT is a testament to India’s commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure. The terminal’s inauguration coincides with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,700 crore at Vadhavan Port, further strengthening India’s port-led development.
As the first cruise ship set sail from the MICT, flagged off by Minister Sonowal, the event marked a historic milestone in India’s journey to become a top global cruise destination. The terminal is poised to elevate Mumbai’s status as a maritime and tourism powerhouse, welcoming millions of passengers and showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
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