Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the state-of-the-art Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier, Mumbai today. It has been developed under the ‘Cruise India Mission’. This terminal will strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and establish Mumbai as a major cruise tourism hub.

MICT: India’s Largest Cruise Terminal

Spread over 415,000 square feet, this terminal is capable of handling 1 million passengers annually and can accommodate five cruise ships simultaneously. It has 72 check-in and immigration counters to provide passengers with a fast and seamless experience.

Significance of the Terminal

India’s maritime history is very rich and is an important part of our civilization. As a coastal center, it has served the country for a long time. This terminal is linked to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of developing India as a global cruise hub through modern infrastructure.

Related Projects

Along with the terminal, several other initiatives have also been launched, including:

-Renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Dock

-Heritage lighting at Port House and Evelyn House

-Sagar Upvan Garden

Cruise Tourism to Get a Boost

The aim of these projects is to promote cultural tourism and strengthen environmental sustainability in the region. MICT is expected to give a major boost to India’s cruise tourism sector. It will attract not only domestic but also international tourists and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Mumbai International Cruise Terminal

The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, also known as the New Cruise Terminal, is a modern facility at the Mumbai Port that opened in 2024. It was developed to re-establish Mumbai as a major cruise tourism hub in India, with its history as a port city dating back to the 18th century. The terminal is designed to handle large cruise ships and significantly upgrade the passenger experience for arrivals and departures.

Ballard Pier

Ballard Pier is a historic jetty in Mumbai, India, constructed between 1914 and 1922 and named after the British engineer F.W. Stevens. It served as a major passenger terminal for ships arriving from Europe during the British Raj. Today, it is primarily used as a commercial cargo port and is part of the larger Mumbai Port Trust.

Fire Memorial

The Fire Memorial in London commemorates the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed much of the medieval city. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, standing 202 feet tall on the site where the fire is believed to have started.

Victoria Dock

Victoria Dock is a historic dock in London, built in 1855 as part of the Royal Docks complex to accommodate the growing size of Victorian merchant ships. It was a major hub for global trade, particularly in commodities like grain and meat, before closing to commercial traffic in 1981. The area has since been regenerated and is now a modern residential and business district.

Port House

The Port House is a contemporary architectural landmark in Antwerp, Belgium, designed by Zaha Hadid. It was completed in 2016 as a new headquarters for the city’s port authority, created by expanding and encapsulating a former fire station built in 1922. The design dramatically juxtaposes the historic brick structure with a new, futuristic glass extension, symbolizing the port’s forward-looking vision while honoring its past.

Evelyn House

I am unable to provide a summary for “Evelyn House” as it is a common name for many private residences and local buildings, and without a specific location, its history and significance cannot be confirmed. To give an accurate summary, more context, such as its city or country, would be needed. For example, there are notable Evelyn Houses in Australia and the UK, each with a unique history.

Sagar Upvan Garden

Sagar Upvan Garden is a popular public garden and promenade located along the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India. It was developed by the city’s municipal corporation and is known for its manicured lawns, walking paths, and views of the sunset. The garden serves as a recreational space for locals and visitors, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.