Indus Valley Times

By Pravakar Sahoo

New Delhi, Oct.1 – In a significant move to boost India’s growing cruise tourism sector, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port. The initiative, inaugurated onboard the cruise ship ‘Empress,’ aims to double the number of cruise passengers and cruise calls within five years, setting the stage for India to become a global hub for cruise tourism.

The mission, spanning three phases from October 2024 to March 2029, seeks to develop infrastructure and integrate cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent. Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal highlighted the mission’s role in unlocking the country’s cruise potential, stating,”The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ is a watershed moment in the revamp of India’s cruise sector. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to harnessing the Blue Economy and transforming India’s maritime landscape.”

The first phase, from October 2024 to September 2025, will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighboring countries. This will also involve upgrading existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations. In the second phase (October 2025 to March 2027), efforts will concentrate on developing new terminals and activating high-potential cruise circuits. The third and final phase, from April 2027 to March 2029, will see the integration of all cruise circuits, ensuring a mature and sustainable ecosystem.

The key performance targets are ambitious. By the end of the mission, sea cruise passengers are expected to increase from 0.5 million to 1 million, while river cruise passengers will grow from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. The number of sea cruise calls will rise from 125 to 500, and international cruise terminals will expand from two to 10. Employment in the cruise sector is projected to jump from 0.1 million to 0.4 million.

Shri Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the cruise sector. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji, this mission reflects the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem for cruise operators, tourists, and local communities,” he said.

The Cruise Bharat Mission aligns with India’s broader vision of capitalizing on its vast coastline and waterways, positioning the country as a top cruise destination. It will promote ocean and harbor cruises, river and inland cruises, and island-based expedition cruises, while creating new employment opportunities and fostering inclusive growth.

Key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and tourism operators, attended the launch, marking a new chapter in India’s maritime tourism aspirations.