VOI World/ Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Indira Dock, Ballard Pier, marking a major leap in India’s maritime tourism infrastructure. Developed under the Cruise Bharat Mission, this ₹556-crore facility is India’s largest cruise terminal.
Spanning 415,000 square feet, the terminal can accommodate five cruise ships at once and is designed to serve up to one million passengers annually. It features 72 check-in and immigration counters and boasts modern amenities aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated this terminal during his visit to Gujarat, amid a slate of other infrastructure projects worth over ₹34,200 crore being launched under the Samudra se Samriddhi initiative. These include port upgrades, container terminal expansions, cargo berths, and coastal infrastructure across multiple states.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the deep maritime heritage of Mumbai and how the new terminal aligns with India’s goal to become a global cruise tourism hub. The terminal’s design blends maritime aesthetics with functional modernity, combining wave-inspired architecture, minimalist interiors, and panoramic sea views.
MICT is expected not only to elevate India’s standing in global cruise circuits but also to generate economic activity — boosting tourism, port operations, and jobs in the luxury travel sector. It demonstrates India’s push to build world-class infrastructure while reducing foreign dependence in travel and tourism.
