The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ to significantly enhance India’s cruise tourism industry. The initiative aims to double the cruise passenger traffic from Mumbai Port by 2029. According to an official statement, the mission is expected to attract over 1.5 million river cruise passengers, leveraging India’s more than 5,000 kilometers of operational waterways. Speaking at the launch, Sonowal emphasised that the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ marks a pivotal step in revitalising India’s cruise sector. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is focused on unlocking the potential of India’s Blue Economy. Despite its vast coastline, cruise tourism in India has remained largely untapped. This mission aims to transform the maritime landscape by focusing on infrastructure development, elevating the cruise experience for tourists, and ensuring sustainable use of resources,” he stated. The mission, structured in three phases, will develop world-class facilities, boost cruise tourism, and contribute to the growth of maritime trade, ultimately positioning India as a leading player in global cruise tourism. (ET)