Pratik Bijlani –
The Mumbai Port Authority inaugurated the state-of-the-art Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) on April 21st at Ballard Pier, Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime development.
Built at a cost of ₹556 crore, the terminal is designed to handle 500 cruise ships and up to one million passengers annually. Its sprawling 415,000-square-foot facility features 72 immigration counters, the capacity to process 10,000 travellers daily, and the ability to dock five cruise ships simultaneously. The terminal’s design not only facilitates seamless passenger movement but also integrates commercial spaces for retail and dining, aiming to transform the Mumbai waterfront into a vibrant destination.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, presided over the inauguration, celebrating the terminal as a model of ambition and collaboration. “We aim to create an environment where India can rise to become a global leader, designing a sustainable and prosperous future,” he remarked during his speech. Mr Sonowal praised the collective efforts of Mumbai’s people and Maharashtra’s government, emphasizing the importance of projects like this in fostering innovation and economic growth. “Projects like these showcase the potential of collaborative efforts between the government and the people,” he added, underlining the synergy that made the terminal a reality.
The inauguration also highlighted other initiatives launched by Mr Sonowal, including the revamped Sagar Upvan Gardens at Colaba, a shore-to-ship electric power facility to reduce emissions, and new façade lighting at key port buildings. Additionally, a plot at Reay Road was handed over to the Hare
Krishna Mission for a community kitchen, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority received its first Mumbai office space at Mallet Bunder.
Mr Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, lauded the transformative impact of the terminal, describing it as a pivotal development for India’s maritime sector. “With the functioning of this Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, we are launching anew the infrastructure we are building—the doors to a brighter, bolder maritime future,” he stated. Mr Thakur emphasized the economic benefits of the terminal, which will generate employment across hospitality, tourism, and transportation industries, while positioning Mumbai as the cruise capital of India.
The project, executed through a public-private partnership model, is operated by Ballard Pier Port Private Limited and JM Baxi & Co. under a 30-year concession agreement with the Mumbai Port Authority. The partnership includes a ₹30 crore security deposit and an annual rent of ₹5 crore, which will increase by 5% annually.
The event concluded with high tea and refreshments, marking the successful launch of a transformative project that redefines Mumbai’s maritime landscape. The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is set to position the city as a global cruise hub while boosting employment and economic activity across tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors. Its innovative design and public-private partnership model highlight the potential for sustainable, collaborative development, reinforcing India’s commitment to shaping a modern, prosperous maritime future.
Marex Media