India Launches Ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission

Mission Overview and Objectives

• The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the 'Cruise Bharat Mission' on September 30, 2024, in Mumbai.
• The mission aims to double cruise passenger traffic within five years (by 2029) and establish India as a global hub for cruise tourism.
• It covers three key segments: Ocean & Harbour cruise, River & Island cruise, and Island cruise.
• The initiative is expected to create 4 lakh jobs in the revamped cruise sector by 2029.
• The mission targets an increase in sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1 million and river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million by the end of Phase 3.

Implementation Strategy and Timeline

• The Cruise Bharat Mission will be implemented in three phases from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029.
• Phase 1 (Oct 2024 - Sep 2025): Focus on studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighboring countries. Modernization of existing infrastructure.
• Phase 2 (Oct 2025 - Mar 2027): Development of new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits.
• Phase 3 (Apr 2027 - Mar 2029): Integration of all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent and continued infrastructure development.
• The mission will be implemented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with support from various regulatory agencies and stakeholders.

Infrastructure Development and Targets

• Increase international cruise terminals from 2 to 10 by the end of Phase 3.
• Expand river cruise terminals from 50 to 100.
• Grow the number of marinas from 1 to 5.
• Develop world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports.
• Focus on digitalization (e.g., facial recognition) and decarbonization (e.g., shore power).
• Create a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047.
• Establish a cruise-focused Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Indian Ports Association.
• Set up a cruise development fund to support infrastructure projects.

Promotion, Policy, and Capacity Building

• Design cruise circuits to celebrate and promote India's cultural, historical, and natural heritage globally.
• Implement international marketing and investment promotion strategies.
• Host events like the "Cruise India Summit" to boost the sector's profile.
• Form alliances with neighboring countries to create integrated cruise experiences.
• Develop tailored fiscal and financial policies, including tax scenarios and cruise regulations.
• Launch a National Cruise Tourism Policy to guide the sector's growth.
• Focus on skill development and create a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research.
• Formulate National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment in the cruise industry.