Cruise Bharat Mission launched to promote Cruise Tourism

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarabanand Sonowal, launched the Cruise Bharat Mission on 30 September 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The Minister launched the mission onboard the cruise ship Empress. The initiative aims to achieve India’s vision of becoming a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. 

Who will implement the Cruise Bharat Mission? 

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal ministry for implementing the Cruise Bharat Mission. The mission will be implemented with the support of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.

The ministry will establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for cruise development under the Indian Ports Association. The Indian Port Association is an association of major ports in India.

Phases of the Cruise Bharat Mission

The Cruise Bharat Mission will be implemented from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029 in three phases.

Phase -1 (1 October 2024-30 September 2025)

The main focus will be on planning and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries. The existing cruise terminals and marinas will be modernized.

Phase II (1 October 2025-31  March  2027)

Focus will be on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

Phase III (1 April  2027- 31 March 2029)

The  focus will be on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

Performance Target 

The mission has also set a performance target, which will be achieved during the mission period.

• Increase in sea cruise passenger traffic from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs by Phase III.
• Increase in river cruise passenger traffic from 5 lakhs to 15 lakhs by Phase III.
• Number of international cruise terminals from 2 to 10 by Phase III.
• Number of river cruise terminals from 50 to 100. Similarly, marinas will grow from 1 to 5, and employment generation will grow from 1 lakhs to 4 lakhs by the end of Phase III.

Cruise Segments

Under the Cruise Bharat Mission, there are three cruise segments - Ocean and Harbour, River and inland and Islands segments.

• The  Ocean and Harbour segment will focus on ocean, deep sea and coastal cruises with a focus on yachting and sailing cruises.
• River and  Inland Cruise will focus on rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes.
• The Island Cruise segment will focus on lighthouse tours, live-aboard experiences, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.