Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates India’s Largest Cruise Terminal; Unveils Port Projects

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), heralded as India’s largest and most advanced cruise terminal.

The state-of-the-art facility manages an annual passenger traffic of one million, with a daily capacity of nearly 10,000 passengers.

The terminal can accommodate five ships simultaneously, each up to 300 metres in length and with a draft of 11 metres.

With an investment of ₹556 crore, MICT aims to significantly elevate India’s presence in the global cruise tourism market.

Expanding Trade Capabilities At Vadhavan Port

In a significant move to enhance maritime infrastructure, Minister Sonowal also presided over the signing of key agreements at Vadhavan Port.

With a combined investment exceeding ₹5,700 crore, the projects will fortify India’s cargo-handling capabilities.

Among the major undertakings is a ₹4,200 crore investment to establish a terminal equipped to handle container, bulk, and liquid cargo.

Additionally, developers will construct a separate ₹1,000 crore terminal dedicated to bulk and liquid cargo, which will enhance operational efficiency and increase throughput.

These projects are part of India’s broader strategy to bolster its maritime trade through strategic corridors such as the India- East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Strategic Vision For Vadhavan

The Vadhavan Port development stands as one of India’s most ambitious maritime infrastructure projects, with an estimated total cost of ₹76,220 crore.

Upon completion, the port will become the largest in the country, capable of hosting mega container vessels and driving a significant increase in export-import volumes.

The project is also set to create over 1.2 million jobs and is expected to begin operations by 2029.

These developments underline India’s commitment to establishing itself as a global maritime hub.

The launch of MICT and expansion at Vadhavan Port not only promise enhanced trade and tourism opportunities but also contribute to regional economic growth.

investing in advanced infrastructure, India is strategically positioning itself on key global shipping routes and reinforcing its stature in the international maritime landscape.

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