Mumbai Sets Sail: The 20 -Year Voyage of the International Cruise Terminal Comes Full Circle
From Concept to Reality: Mumbai Port Transforms into India’s Cruise Capital
Maritime News, Mumbai, India : The date 21 April 2025 will be marked as landmark moment for India’s maritime tourism sector, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) will be officially commencing operations at the Ballard Pier Extension, marking the culmination of a two-decade-long journey.
The grand commencement ceremony will be graced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Senior officials from the Ministry and Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) will also be present, including Secretary T. K. Ramachandran, Additional Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha, and Joint Secretary R. Lakshmanan.
The Journey So Far
2005: The Vision Sets Sail
The idea of a world-class cruise terminal in Mumbai first took shape on October 31, 2005, when MbPT invited bids from global consultants to draft a Detailed Project Report (DPR). At the time, cruise vessels were handled at the multipurpose Ballard Pier Extension (BPX), a berth within a busy cargo port.
2006: Investment and Expressions of Interest
By May 6, 2006, MbPT had received 12 expressions of interest, with the project estimated at Rs. 168 crore. The terminal was envisioned to feature two berths, a 200x50m docking area, convention centers, shopping arcades, and a dredged draft of 10.5m.
2017: Project Resurrected and Tendered
A major push came in 2017, when MbPT called for tenders for the modernisation of the existing terminal at Indira Dock. The sanctioned budget was Rs. 303 crore, although the tender was floated for Rs. 125 crore. The work order was issued on August 8, 2017, to M/s Belhekar and Kale Associates, with the work to commence from September 12, 2017, under the supervision of A.W. Kardhekar, Dy Chief Engineer, MICT.
2018: Foundation Stone and New Cruise Vision
On January 18, 2018, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation stone for MICT. By then, the government had envisioned increasing cruise traffic to 700 vessels a year. MbPT Chairman Sanjay Bhatia announced that Phase 1 would enable 2 lakh passengers annually, and Phase 2, by end-2019, would support 7 lakh. Operation and maintenance were planned under a PPP model.
International Partnerships Begin
In May 2018, the Port of Amsterdam, in collaboration with local partner J M Baxi & Co., announced interest in investing in the Rs. 300-crore terminal. The partnership aimed to match international cruise port standards.
2023: Maharashtra Government Confirms Readiness
On October 17, 2023, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that MICT would be ready by 2024. The terminal’s specifications are world-class: a G+3 structure spread over 4.15 lakh sq. ft., including 22 elevators, 10 escalators, parking for 300 cars, and a dedicated operational area of 1.7 lakh sq. ft. The terminal can berth two cruise ships simultaneously and handle 1 million passengers annually.
April 21, 2025: Terminal Takes Off
The long-anticipated Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is finally operational. With a total project cost of Rs. 495 crore (Rs. 303 crore by MbPA and the rest by private partners), the facility is now India’s cruise tourism gateway. It will operate year-round and is open to local citizens for recreation, retail, and leisure.
A Boost for Seafarers, RPSL Firms, and Training Institutes
The operationalisation of MICT will significantly boost job creation across the maritime value chain. For Indian seafarers, this promises increased placement opportunities on luxury cruise liners, enhanced by proximity to a major port hub. Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies will see a spike in demand, enabling more efficient crew management and training alignment. Maritime training institutes stand to benefit from greater industry collaboration, curriculum updates aligned with cruise operations, and student placements.
Mumbai: The Cruise Capital of India
With a 10.5m draft, 365-day operations, and seamless integration into the city’s transport fabric, MICT is now a defining feature of Mumbai’s coastal skyline. It marks the start of a new era for Indian tourism, coastal economy, and global connectivity.
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is no longer a dream; it is a dazzling new gateway to the world.
