Cruise Bharat Mission:(prelims)

Introduction The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has introduced the Cruise Bharat Mission with the goal of transforming India into a global hub for cruise tourism. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of boosting India’s tourism sector, generating employment, and driving economic growth. The mission will unfold in three phases from 2024 to 2029.

Core Objectives of the Cruise Bharat Mission

• Promote Cruise Tourism: Expand the number of cruise passengers and increase the frequency of cruise ship arrivals.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: Modernize existing and develop new cruise terminals, marinas, and tourist destinations.
• Job Generation: Create a significant number of jobs within the cruise tourism sector.
• Foster Economic Expansion: Contribute to the growth of maritime trade and tourism-related revenue streams.

Phases of Execution

• Phase 1 (2024-2025):
  • Conduct feasibility studies and strategic planning.
  • Build partnerships with neighboring countries to form cruise alliances.
  • Upgrade existing cruise terminals and marinas.
• Phase 2 (2025-2027):
  • Establish new cruise terminals and marinas.
  • Activate high-potential cruise circuits and tourist locations.
• Phase 3 (2027-2029):
  • Integrate all cruise circuits within the Indian subcontinent.
  • Continue expanding cruise infrastructure.

Key Performance Metrics

• Sea Cruise Passengers: Grow from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by the end of Phase 3.
• River Cruise Passengers: Expand from 0.5 million to 1.5 million during the mission’s span.
• Cruise Ship Arrivals: Increase from 125 calls to 500.
• International Cruise Terminals: Expand the number of terminals from 2 to 10.
• River Cruise Terminals: Increase from 50 to 100.
• Marinas: Grow from 1 to 5.
• Employment: Boost job creation from 0.1 million to 0.4 million positions.

Strategic Initiatives

• Dedicated Cruise Development Fund: Set up a fund specifically for cruise tourism development.
• Regulatory Streamlining: Simplify cabotage laws and offer financial incentives to promote cruise tourism.
• Global Marketing Campaigns: Position India as a premier global cruise destination through targeted marketing efforts.
• Sustainability Focus: Ensure that cruise tourism development is aligned with environmental sustainability.

Case Studies and Examples

• Mumbai Port Revamp: Modernizing Mumbai Port to accommodate increased cruise traffic.
• River Cruises on the Ganges: Developing cruise circuits along the Ganges to promote cultural and heritage tourism.
• International Collaborations: Partnerships with countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives to create integrated cruise circuits.

Conclusion The Cruise Bharat Mission is a forward-looking strategy that seeks to capitalize on India’s extensive coastline and inland river systems to stimulate tourism, create jobs, and accelerate economic development. Through focused infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and international marketing efforts, the mission aims to make India a premier global cruise tourism destination by 2029.