Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, today flagged off cruise operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), marking a significant milestone for India’s maritime sector. The MICT, India's largest cruise terminal, is set to play a pivotal role in the country's burgeoning cruise tourism industry.

Alongside this, Minister Sonowal inaugurated the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks and two heritage buildings—Fort House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House in Colaba. He also launched the ‘Sagar Upvan’ garden and introduced the Shore-to-Ship Electric Supply as part of the Green Port Initiative to promote sustainability in the maritime sector.

The MICT, developed under the Cruise Bharat Mission, is a state-of-the-art facility located at Ballard Pier. It boasts over 4,15,000 square feet of built-up area and is designed to handle 1 million passengers annually. The terminal is equipped with 72 check-in and immigration counters, and it can accommodate five ships simultaneously, with parking for over 300 vehicles. This modern terminal is poised to enhance Mumbai's position as a leading global cruise hub.

Minister Sonowal emphasised the importance of Mumbai's rich maritime history and its role in India's economic development. “Mumbai has always been a significant maritime hub, and today, with the inauguration of the MICT, we are one step closer to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of turning India into a global cruise destination,” he stated.

The terminal's design integrates Mumbai's maritime identity with modern aesthetics, featuring fluid architecture, rose gold accents, and a sweeping ceiling. It is designed to offer passengers a seamless experience with modern amenities, ensuring safety and comfort while enhancing Mumbai’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

In his address, Sonowal highlighted the government’s commitment to the Cruise Bharat Mission, which focuses on three key sectors: ocean and harbour cruises, river and inland cruises, and island and lighthouse cruises. "Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India's maritime sector has experienced transformative growth, positioning the nation as a future-ready global maritime hub," he added.

Additionally, Minister Sonowal attended an MoU signing ceremony for strategic development at Vadhavan Port, aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and cargo handling facilities, with investments totalling ?5,700 crores.