India is charting a bold course to become a global cruise tourism hub, leveraging its extensive coastline, rich cultural heritage, and strategic initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030. These efforts aim to transform the nation’s waterways into vibrant corridors of leisure and economic growth.
Setting Sail: The Cruise Bharat Mission
Launched on September 30, 2024, the Cruise Bharat Mission is a comprehensive initiative designed to elevate India’s cruise tourism industry. The mission unfolds in three phases, targeting a surge in cruise passenger traffic from 4.6 lakh in 2024 to 5 million by 2047. It also aspires to double cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047, fostering significant employment opportunities in the sector .
Infrastructure Overhaul: Ports and Terminals
A pivotal aspect of this transformation is the development of infrastructure. The mission plans to establish 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas over the next five years . Currently, six major ports—Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Mormugao, New Mangalore, and Visakhapatnam—are equipped with cruise terminals .
Notably, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, inaugurated in January 2023, is designed to handle up to 1.2 million passengers annually by 2030, positioning Mumbai as a leading cruise port in Asia .
Navigating Inland: River Cruise Expansion
Beyond the seas, India is tapping into its vast network of rivers to promote inland cruise tourism. The mission anticipates an increase in river cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3 . Efforts include developing navigational channels, constructing berthing facilities, and promoting heritage sites along waterways.
A landmark achievement in this domain is the MV Ganga Vilas, which embarked on a 3,200-kilometer journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in January 2023, traversing 27 river systems across five Indian states and Bangladesh .
Economic Tides: Market Growth and Employment
India’s cruise tourism market is on an upward trajectory. Valued at over USD 68 million, projections estimate growth to exceed USD 134 million by 2028 . The sector is expected to generate approximately 4 lakh jobs, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy .
The Maritime India Vision 2030 further complements these efforts by identifying over 150 initiatives aimed at enhancing the maritime sector’s efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability .
Smooth Sailing: Policy and Regulatory Reforms
To facilitate the growth of cruise tourism, the Indian government has implemented several policy reforms:
Berthing Priority: Cruise vessels now receive priority over cargo ships at ports.
Tariff Rationalization: Standardized port charges and nominal passenger taxes have been introduced, offering 10–30% volume-based discounts.
Cabotage Relaxation: Foreign cruise ships are permitted to carry Indian nationals between domestic ports.
Visa Facilitation: E-visa and visa-on-arrival facilities have been extended to cruise passengers.
Streamlined Procedures: A single e-Landing Card is now valid across all ports on a cruise itinerary .
Anchoring the Future: Outlook and Opportunities
India’s strategic initiatives in cruise tourism are poised to redefine the nation’s maritime landscape. By capitalizing on its geographic advantages and cultural richness, India aims to offer unparalleled cruise experiences, attract global tourists, and stimulate economic growth.