By Paramita Datta
Mumbai sees a historic day as the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The terminal is built as part of the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ and is developed as per international norms and is certain to make the city a major destination for cruise travel from around the world. The international terminal located at Indira Dock cost ₹556 crore to make; the area spreads over an area of 415,000 square feet.
It is referred to as the biggest cruise terminal in India because of its unmatched size as well as facilities. It is part of an overlying national policy of improving port infrastructures, augmenting connections, and bettering tourists’ experiences for both foreign tourists and Indian citizens.
The mega new port is designed to accommodate the capacity of millions every year and provide a luxury port call for the international and domestic cruise tourists. It receives between 10,000 and 15,000 cruise tourists daily; this is the first step in making Mumbai familiar in the international cruise circuit. It is built with the capacity of berthing five cruise ships at a time, large enough to fit ships as long as 300 metres and as deep as 11 metres, capable of having a few of the largest cruise ships in the world.
The officials indicated that, to enhance passenger convenience, the terminal featured 72 check-in and immigration counters, aimed at optimising the boarding procedure and minimising waiting durations. They also noted that the infrastructure featured a designated parking area with the capacity to hold more than 300 vehicles, ensuring convenient access for visitors and employees.
It was highlighted that, in functionality, MICT emphasised design and sustainability. They noted that the building had an original wave-form ceiling that reflected its oceanfront personality, and the interior was described as modern, clean, and minimalist in nature.
They also mentioned that an electric system from shore to ships has been established. This allows ships to plug into shore-side power while berthed. This significantly lowered emissions and made port operations less harmful.
It was claimed that simultaneously, various cultural and environmental modifications were being undertaken in an effort to improve Mumbai as a tourist destination. These consisted of the new Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, new lighting for Evelyn House and Port House, and an improved Sagar Upvan garden developed with the intention of enhancing green, open public spaces.
The combination of high-quality infrastructure, sustainable practices, and initiatives for cultural preservation highlighted that MICT embodies contemporary India’s aspirations for port development, closely aligning with the broader goals of the Cruise Bharat Mission.
Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, highlighted that the terminal represented a major improvement to Mumbai’s maritime history and commended its role in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s goal of establishing India as a major player in global cruise tourism.