India Launches 'Cruise Bharat Mission' to Boost Cruise Tourism

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced the 'Cruise Bharat Mission' from Mumbai port, aiming to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029 and establish India as a global cruise tourism hub through a three-phased initiative starting October 2024. The mission focuses on infrastructure development and creating employment.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 'Cruise Bharat Mission' at Mumbai port on Monday, with an aim to tap into the country's vast cruise tourism potential. This initiative, set by the Ministry, targets to double cruise passenger traffic within five years, aiming for 2029.

The mission, launched aboard the cruise ship 'Empress,' envisions India as a global cruise tourism destination through a three-phase strategy beginning from October 1, 2024, up to March 31, 2029. Phase 1 includes conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighboring countries. Phase 2 focuses on developing new cruise terminals and marinas, while Phase 3 integrates all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent.

Key performance targets include increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3, and river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. International cruise terminals will expand from 2 to 10, river cruise terminals from 50 to 100, and marinas from 1 to 5. Employment in the sector is expected to rise from 0.1 million to 0.4 million by Phase 3.

(With inputs from agencies.)