New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s largest cruise terminal at Mumbai Ballard Pier on Saturday. The new Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), located at Indira Dock, has been designed as a world-class gateway for both domestic and international cruise tourism, and is expected to transform Mumbai into a hub for luxury sea travel.
Spread across 4,15,000 square feet, the terminal is India’s largest facility dedicated to cruise operations. Built at a cost of Rs 556 crore, the four-level (G+3) complex is designed to handle around one million passengers annually, or roughly 10,000 travellers on a typical day. Cruise operations at the site quietly began in April 2025, when Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the first departures.
The terminal can berth up to five cruise liners simultaneously, allowing for quick turnaround even during peak travel periods. To ensure smooth passenger movement, MICT features 72 check-in and immigration counters and an operational area of 1,70,000 square feet. A dedicated parking bay accommodates over 300 vehicles, ensuring convenient access for both passengers and visitors throughout the year.
Architecturally, the terminal reflects its maritime setting, with a wavy ceiling inspired by the ocean and interiors that follow a minimalist yet functional design. Beyond serving travellers, MICT has been planned as a public space, offering leisure, recreation, and shopping opportunities, making it a year-round destination even outside the cruise season.
The project forms a key part of the government’s ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, which aims to expand cruise tourism through ocean, river, and island-based experiences. Authorities plan to handle around 200 cruise ships annually, each carrying up to 500 passengers. With its scale, modern amenities, and year-round operations, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in putting India on the global cruise map and boosting city tourism.
