Context:

Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’. 

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• The Mission was launched from the Mumbai port to boost the country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years, i.e. from 2024 to 2029.
• The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. 

Cruise Bharat Mission

The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029. 

• Phase 1 (Oct 2024 – Sept 2025): It will conduct studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries and it will modernise existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.  
• Phase 2 (Oct 2025 – March 2027): It will develop new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits. 
• Phase 3 (April 2027 – March 2029): It will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, while continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

The mission is supposed to achieve the following key targets from Phase 1 to Phase 3: 

• Increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1 million. 
• Increasing sea cruise calls from 125 to 500.
• River cruise passengers will grow from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. 
• International cruise terminals will expand from 2 to 10.
• River cruise terminals will increase from 50 to 100.
• Marinas will grow from 1 to 5.
• Employment generated will rise from 0.1 million to 0.4 million.

This mission also aims to double the volume of cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047.

The Cruise India Mission targets three key cruise segments: 

• Ocean & Harbour Cruise: It encompasses ocean cruises, deep-sea and coastal cruises, along with harbour-based yachting and sailing cruises. 
• River & Inland Cruise: It focuses on river and inland cruises on canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. 
• Island Cruise: It includes inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, live-aboard experiences, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.

The mission has identified key initiatives across five strategic pillars:

• Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital pillar: It addresses infrastructure gaps, focusing on developing world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports, alongside digitalisation (e.g., facial recognition) and decarbonisation (e.g., shore power).
• The mission includes creating a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047, setting up a cruise-focused Special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Indian Ports Association (IPA), and a cruise development fund. 
• Operations Including Technology Enabled pillar: aims to streamline operations, ensuring smooth embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits with a focus on digital solutions such as e-clearance systems and e-visa facilities. 
• Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration pillar: focuses on international marketing and investment promotion, including linking cruise circuits, hosting events like the "Cruise India Summit," and forming alliances with neighbouring countries.
• Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy pillar: centred on creating tailored fiscal and financial policies, with a focus on tax scenarios, cruise regulations, and the launch of a National Cruise Tourism Policy.
• Capacity Building and Economic Research pillar: emphasizes skill development, creating a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research, and formulating National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment in the cruise industry. 

Significance of the Cruise Bharat Mission

• The mission reflects the commitment of the Government to transform India into a world-class hub for cruise tourism.
• This mission aims to create a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem that will be beneficial for cruise operators, tourists and communities.