Launch of ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ to Boost Cruise Tourism in India

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from Mumbai port on October 1, 2024. The mission aims to enhance India’s potential as a global hub for cruise tourism, targeting a doubling of cruise passenger traffic by 2029. It focuses on three key cruise segments: ocean and harbor, river, inland, and island. This initiative is expected to significantly revamp the cruise sector in India and promote the country as a leading global cruise destination.

Phased Implementation of the Mission

The Cruise Bharat Mission will be executed in three phases:

1. Phase 1 (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025): This phase will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighboring countries. It will also involve modernizing existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance cruise circuits.
2. Phase 2 (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027): This phase will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits.
3. Phase 3 (April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2029): This final phase will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, ensuring the maturity of the cruise ecosystem while continuing infrastructure development.

Key Performance Targets

The mission aims to achieve several key performance targets:

• Sea Cruise Passengers: Increase from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3.
• Sea Cruise Calls: Increase from 125 to 500.
• River Cruise Passengers: Grow from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3.
• International Cruise Terminals: Expand from 2 in Phase 1 to 10 by Phase 3.
• River Cruise Terminals: Increase from 50 to 100.

Expected Impact and Employment Generation

Minister Sonowal noted a 400% increase in passenger footfall in cruises since 2014, and the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to further enhance this trend. The mission anticipates a rise in passengers from 460,000 in 2024 to 5 million by 2047, with cruise calls expected to increase from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047. Additionally, the initiative aims to create 400,000 jobs in the cruise sector during this period.