A New Era in Indian Maritime Infrastructure
Mumbai International Cruise Terminal: India’s Gateway to Global Cruise Tourism: India took a major leap in its maritime journey with the launch of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) on April 21, 2025. Inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the terminal is now the country’s largest cruise terminal. Situated at the Mumbai port, MICT is designed to handle 1 million passengers annually and five cruise ships at a time, placing India firmly on the global cruise tourism map.
Terminal Highlights and Capacity
With a passenger handling capacity of approximately 10,000 people per day, the MICT is built to accommodate the growing demand for cruise travel. The terminal features an 11-meter draft and can berth vessels up to 300 meters in length. The project, developed with an investment of ₹556 crores, is part of the larger goal to modernize India’s ports and make them world-class under the Sagarmala Programme.
Major Port Investment at Vadhavan
The government also announced investment agreements worth over ₹5,700 crores for the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. These include projects like a container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminal worth ₹4,200 crores and a dedicated terminal valued at ₹1,000 crores. These developments aim to boost industrial logistics, enhance cargo handling, and strengthen India’s trade corridors.
Strategic Impact on Cruise Tourism and Trade
The commissioning of MICT is expected to dramatically boost cruise tourism in India, especially in Mumbai, a city already rich in global connectivity. It aligns with India’s aim of becoming a cruise tourism hub in Asia, attracting international liners and luxury vessels. Simultaneously, the Vadhavan Port projects are designed to support supply chains, improve trade connectivity, and reduce the pressure on existing ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT).
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Mumbai International Cruise Terminal: India’s Gateway to Global Cruise Tourism:
| Topic | Details |
| Terminal Name | Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Inauguration Date | April 21, 2025 |
| Inaugurated By | Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister |
| Capacity | 1 million passengers/year; 5 cruise ships |
| Terminal Features | 11m draft, ships up to 300m |
| Project Cost | ₹556 crores |
| Vadhavan Port Investment | ₹5,700+ crores |
| Vadhavan Key Projects | Container/Bulk/Liquid Terminals |
| Programme Link | Sagarmala (Maritime Modernisation Plan) |
