International Cruise Terminal Opens In Mumbai: 500 Ships, 10,000 Passengers Daily Capacity

Mumbai's long-awaited International Cruise Terminal at Ballard Pier is finally ready for full-scale operations, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The modern facility will be inaugurated on Monday by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marking a major milestone in India's maritime tourism sector.

Built To Boost Tourism

The terminal has been developed by the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) at a cost of Rs 556 crore. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly improve India's cruise tourism and provide a smoother travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Construction Faced Delays

Work on the terminal started in 2018, but the project saw several delays due to funding and operational issues. Although it was first scheduled for completion in July 2022, it took longer than planned. The terminal has been built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with Ballard Pier Port Private Limited and J M Baxi & Co managing daily operations.

MbPA has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the private partner, which includes a Rs 30 crore security deposit and an annual rent of Rs 5 crore, with a 5 per cent increase every year.

What The Terminal Offers

Spread across 4.15 lakh square feet, the terminal can handle up to 500 cruise ships and one million passengers every year, as per the HT report. On a busy day, it can process up to 10,000 passengers through 72 immigration counters. As many as five ships can dock and check in passengers at the same time.

In the previous financial year, Mumbai welcomed 20 international and 71 domestic cruise ships, bringing in around two lakh passengers.

Modern Facilities And Public Access

The terminal is a ground-plus-three building. The lower floors will be used for passenger processing, while the upper levels will be leased for retail shops, restaurants, and leisure spaces. The structure includes 22 lifts, 10 escalators, and parking spaces for 300 cars. MbPA plans to open these upper levels to the general public, making it a lively waterfront destination, even on days without cruise ships.

Rise In Cruise Travel Expected

At present, Cordelia Cruises runs trips twice a week from Mumbai. Officials believe the new terminal will attract more cruise operators and tourists, especially as Indian interest in sea travel grows. Currently, around three lakh Indians go on cruises each year, mostly from foreign ports. With this terminal, international cruises can now start directly from Mumbai.

Other Projects To Be Inaugurated

During the same event, Minister Sonowal will also:

• Unveil the revamped Sagar Upvan Gardens at Colaba
• Launch a shore-to-ship electric power system that allows docked ships to use onshore electricity, reducing diesel use and cutting emissions
• Hand over a plot at Reay Road to the Hare Krishna Mission for a community kitchen
• Allot office space at Mallet Bunder to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority for the first time in Mumbai

With the opening of this cruise terminal, Mumbai is set to become a key hub in India's growing cruise tourism market, offering better infrastructure, smoother operations, and a new face to the city's coastline.