India’s Largest Cruise Terminal Launched

• Inaugurated by: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
• Location: Ballard Pier, Mumbai
• Developed Under: Cruise Bharat Mission
• Investment: ₹556 crores
• Passenger Capacity: 1 million annually, ~10,000 daily
• Infrastructure Highlights:
  • 4 floors: 2 for check-in & immigration (72 counters), 2 for commercial use
  • Can accommodate 5 ships at a time (up to 300m in length, 11m draft)
  • Parking for over 300 vehicles
• Design: Maritime-inspired architecture with wave-themed ceiling, rose gold accents, and interactive selfie points

Heritage and Environmental Initiatives

• Heritage Sites Revamped:
  • Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks (Golden Tears theme)
  • Port House (Ballard Estate) and Evelyn House (Colaba) with façade lighting
• Sagar Upvan Garden Renovated:
  • Features 500+ plant species, Arabian Sea views, pathways, botanical learning areas
  • Developed with Tata Trusts support, includes 25,000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant

Green Port Initiative

• Shore to Ship Power Supply Launched:
  • Reduces emissions and noise from docked vessels
  • Boosts energy efficiency and operational cleanliness
• Fuel Infrastructure Added:
  • 2 HSD units, 1 gasoline unit, and a fast EV charger

MoUs for Vadhavan Port: ₹5700+ Crore Investment

• Objective: Transform Vadhavan into a top 10 global port
• Projects Signed:
  • ₹4200 crore: Terminal for container, bulk & liquid cargo
  • ₹1000 crore: Bulk & liquid cargo terminal
  • ₹500 crore: Liquid cargo jetty & tank farm (3,00,000 CBM capacity)

Cruise Bharat Mission

• Pillars:
  • Ocean & Harbour Cruises
  • River & Inland Cruises
  • Island & Lighthouse Cruises
• Goals by 2029:
  • 10 international cruise terminals
  • 100 river cruise terminals
  • 5 marinas along the coast
  • 1 million sea cruise and 1.5 million river cruise passengers
  • 5000+ km waterways integrated
  • 4 lakh+ jobs across cruise value chain

Hindustan Times