Cruise Bharat Mission 2024 Launched

India has launched the ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029 and position the country as a global hub for cruise tourism. This mission is a significant step towards boosting India's maritime and tourism infrastructure, offering a roadmap that SSC aspirants must know for exams.

The Cruise Bharat Mission phases cover Ocean & Harbour cruise, River & Island cruise, and Island cruise.

Overview of Cruise Bharat Mission

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, officially launched the Cruise Bharat Mission on September 30, 2024, in Mumbai.

• The mission targets a sharp growth in cruise passenger numbers — 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 its Phase 3 Cruise Bharat plan.

• It aims to create 4 lakh jobs in the cruise sector by 2029.

• It focuses on cruise terminals in India, marina development, the river cruise phase, and the ocean cruise phase to establish India as a cruise tourism hub.

Cruise Bharat Mission Phases and Timeline

The Cruise Bharat Mission phases are divided into three implementation stages running from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029.

Phase 1 Cruise Bharat (Oct 2024 – Sep 2025)

• Focus on master planning and studies to develop a cruise tourism roadmap.

• Forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries to build integrated cruise circuits.

• Modernization of existing cruise infrastructure, including river cruise terminals and ports.

• Laying the groundwork for digitalization, ports, and decarbonization in cruise technologies.

Phase 2 Cruise Bharat (Oct 2025 – Mar 2027)

• Major development of new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

• Phase 2 cruise infrastructure includes river cruise terminals doubling from 50 to 100, and international cruise terminals in India expanding from 2 to 10.

• Marina growth in India will increase from 1 to 5.

• Activation of high-potential cruise circuits to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Phase 3 Cruise Bharat (Apr 2027 – Mar 2029)

• Phase 3 cruise integration will connect all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent.

• Continued expansion of world-class terminals, heliports, and water aerodromes.

• Focus on creating sustainable cruise tourism with shore power and eco-friendly practices.

• Cruise Bharat's job creation targets will peak, aiming at 4 lakh employment opportunities.

Infrastructure Development and Cruise Bharat Objectives 2029

The Cruise Bharat Mission phases have strong infrastructure goals:

• Cruise terminals expansion in India from 2 to 10 (international) and 50 to 100 (river).

• Establish a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047.

• Cruise Bharat Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up under the Indian Ports Association for funding and growth.

• Launch a Cruise development fund in India for large-scale projects.

• Use advanced digitalization ports systems like facial recognition and implement green technologies for decarbonization of cruise operations.

Promotion, Policy & Capacity Building

• Launch of National Cruise Tourism Policy to guide the industry.

• Hosting events like the Cruise India Summit to attract global investors.

• Designing cruise routes that highlight India’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

• Training programs and a Centre of Excellence for cruise industry jobs to promote skill development.

• Introduction of National Occupational Standards for youth employment in the sector.

• Fiscal and tax policies will be revised to support cruise operators and investors.

Why the Cruise Bharat Mission is Important for SSC Aspirants?

The Cruise Bharat Mission phases are crucial for India’s economic growth, tourism promotion, and employment generation.

• It represents India’s plan to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029, which is a frequently asked question in exams.

• The mission highlights Phase-wise activation of cruise circuits, international collaborations, and infrastructure growth — all important for current affairs.

• SSC aspirants should remember that the mission also focuses on eco-friendly tourism, job creation, and positioning India as a global cruise hub.

Key Takeaways for Exams

1. Launch Date: 30 September 2024, Mumbai.

2. Goal: Double cruise passengers by 2029 (1 million sea, 1.5 million river).

3. Cruise Bharat Mission phases: Phase 1 (Planning), Phase 2 (Development), Phase 3 (Integration).

4. Infrastructure Targets: 10 international cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, 5 marinas.

5. Policies: National Cruise Tourism Policy, Cruise Bharat SPV, and Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047.

Final Thoughts

The Cruise Bharat Mission phases mark a transformative step for India’s tourism and maritime sectors. By focusing on modern cruise infrastructure, digitalization ports, and decarbonization cruise initiatives, India is preparing to emerge as a global leader in cruise tourism.

With Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, Cruise Bharat is targeting comprehensive development — from planning to integration — the mission not only promises to double cruise passenger traffic but also create 4 lakh jobs by 2029.

The National Cruise Tourism Policy and the Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047 will provide a strong roadmap for sustainable and world-class facilities. For SSC aspirants, understanding these Cruise Bharat Mission phases is vital as it represents a major government initiative linking infrastructure, employment, and tourism growth.

This mission is not just about cruises but about building India’s economic and cultural footprint globally.