The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to establish 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas.
Cruise Bharat Mission aims to boost cruise tourism in India and significantly increase sea and river cruise travel by 2029. Despite having tremendous potential, sea and river cruises are a largely untapped travel and tourism aspect in India.
As per today's report, on 18 February 2025, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India, ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ aims to boost cruise tourism in India over the next five years. This major cruise development mission aims to establish 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas.
Also as per the report, a world-class river cruise terminal is being developed in Guwahati as a one-stop solution for river voyages. In addition to that, 4 dedicated river cruise terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath ghat, Neamati, and Guijan, are being developed with adequate offshore facilities and modern amenities.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, also announced that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has envisioned the strengthening of urban water transport system to develop water metro projects across 18 cities in 12 states, including one in Guwahati in Assam, to replicate the Kochi Water Metro model — the Water Metro travel service in Kochi, Kerala.
Kochi Water Metro (KWM) is a ferry transport system which connects the Greater Kochi region in Kerala, using electric hybrid boats. It's the first water metro system in India.
What is Cruise Bharat Mission?
Cruise Bharat Mission was launched on 30 September, 2024, by the central Government of India. This mission, meaning the Cruise India Mission, seeks to double cruise calls and passengers, strengthen regional alliances, and significantly increase sea and river cruise travellers by 2029, enhancing tourism and connectivity across the country.
As per the aforementioned report, the Narendra Modi led government has also brought in major legislative reforms such as the enactment of National Waterways Act 2016 declaring 111 national waterways and Inland Vessels Act 2021 with an aim to streamline the safe and smooth movement of the vessels across the country.
Currently, there are 6 major ports in India that have Cruise Terminals, which are, Vishakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh, Mormugao Port in Goa, New Mangalore Port in Karnataka, Cochin Port in Kerala, Mumbai Port in Maharashtra, and Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu. The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to double cruise passengers within five years and to increase sea cruise tourists to 10 lakh, by 2029.
As per the 30 September 2024 report by Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, when launching the Cruise India Mission, informs that this mission is planned to be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029.
- Phase 1 of this mission (from 01 October 2024 to 30 September 2025) will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries. It will also modernise existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance the potential of cruise circuits.
- Phase 2 of this mission (from 01 October 2025 to 31 March 2027) will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits.
- And Phase 3 (from 01 April 2027 to 31 March 2029) will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, marking the maturity of the cruise ecosystem while continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.
As per the 17 December 2024 report by the ministry, 26 New National Waterways are being developed and new cruise circuits are identified for River Cruise Tourism. As per this report, 34 Waterways have been identified for cruise movement and 10 are already operationalised.
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal dedicates IWT terminal at Jogighopa to nation - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 18 February 2025.
- The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission,’ to Double Cruise Calls and Passengers within Five years - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 30 SEP 2024 3:41PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 18 February 2025.
- CRUISE BHARAT MISSION - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 29 NOV 2024 2:40PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 18 February 2025.
- Parliament Question: - Progress in Developing 26 New National Waterways - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 17 DEC 2024 3:44PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 18 February 2025.