New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Mumbai’s state-of-the-art cruise terminal virtually from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday. This is the country’s largest cruise terminal. It has been built at Indira Dock, Ballard Pier, Mumbai Port.

It has been named the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). The cost was 556 crore rupees. It will be called the gateway to Indian cruise tourism. Its roof is designed like sea waves.

The Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways stated, “Mumbai’s maritime history is extremely rich, and this terminal is a major step towards making India a global cruise tourism hub.”

The terminal has been developed under the Cruise India Mission to meet global standards. It has three pillars: ocean-port cruises, river and inland cruises, and island-lighthouse cruises. The formal commencement of cruise operations from here will take place on September 21st.

PM also laid the foundation for 6 ports and waterways projects

  • A new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port in Kolkata.
  • A new cargo berth and container handling facility at Paradip Port (Odisha).
  • A multi-cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Gujarat.
  • Upgrading Kamarajar Port (Ennore, Tamil Nadu) and Chennai Port.
  • New projects at Car Nicobar Island and Deendayal Port (Kandla).
  • Development of inland waterway facilities in Patna and Varanasi.

Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT)

The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), also known as the ‘Swaika Cruise Terminal’, is a modern facility at Indira Dock that opened in 2024. It was developed to transform Mumbai into a major cruise hub in India, replacing older infrastructure. The terminal aims to boost tourism by offering state-of-the-art amenities for international cruise passengers.

Indira Dock

Indira Dock is a major commercial dock located within the Mumbai Port in Maharashtra, India. It was inaugurated in 1914 and was originally named after King George V before being renamed after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As one of the oldest and busiest docks in India, it plays a vital role in the country’s maritime trade.

Ballard Pier

Ballard Pier is a historic landing facility in Mumbai, India, originally constructed in the early 1920s. It was named after G. B. Ballard, the Chairman of the Bombay Port Trust at the time. For decades, it served as a major passenger terminal for ships, including the iconic P&O liners, connecting India to the world.

Mumbai Port

The Mumbai Port is one of India’s oldest major ports, established by the British East India Company in the late 17th century. It played a pivotal role in the development of Bombay (now Mumbai) as a major commercial and trading hub. Today, it remains a crucial gateway for international trade, handling a diverse range of cargo.

Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port

The Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, located in Kolkata, India, is the country’s oldest operating port. It was originally established by the British East India Company in 1870 and was known as the Port of Calcutta for most of its history. The port was renamed in 2020 to honor Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh political party.

Paradip Port

Paradip Port is a major seaport located on the east coast of India in the state of Odisha. It was officially inaugurated in 1966 and is one of the country’s most important ports, handling a diverse mix of cargo including iron ore, coal, and containers. The port’s development was a significant step in boosting industrial and commercial activity in the region.

Kamarajar Port

Kamarajar Port, formerly known as Ennore Port, is a major artificial harbor on the Coromandel Coast of India. It was commissioned in 2001 to serve as the corporate port for Chennai, becoming the first public port company in India. The port was renamed in 2014 to honor K. Kamaraj, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a key figure in the Indian independence movement.

Chennai Port

Chennai Port is one of India’s oldest and largest artificial ports, originally established by the British East India Company in 1881. It has historically served as a major gateway for trade in South India, handling a diverse range of cargo including automobiles, containers, and petroleum products. The port remains a vital economic hub for the city of Chennai and the surrounding region.