Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates India’s Largest Cruise Terminal ‘Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT)’ in Mumbai.
National
On April 21, 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), officially flagged off Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). Located at Ballard Pier in Mumbai, Maharashtra, MICT is India’s largest and first world-class cruise terminal, developed to meet international standards.
- The event also included the inauguration of several initiatives under the Green Port Initiative: the renovation of heritage buildings, the launch of the Shore-to-Ship Electric Supply system, and the opening of the Sagar Upvan Garden.
- Additionally, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹5,700 crores were signed to support infrastructure development at the upcoming Vadhavan Port.
Main Point :- (i) The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State (MoS) Shantanu Thakur (MoPSW), Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME), Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority (MBPA), Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairman of MBPA, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director of J.M. Baxi, among other key dignitaries.
(ii) MICT has been built at a total cost of ₹556 crore as part of the Cruise Bharat Mission. The terminal was created to promote cruise tourism across India and is aligned with global benchmarks for design and functionality.
(iii) The project was developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with operational management of the terminal being handled by JM Baxi & Co. (Mumbai) and Ballard Pier Port Private Limited (Mumbai).
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