GS Paper - II

The central government on 30 September 2024 launched the five-year Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to boost cruise tourism in India to 1 million passengers and create 400,000 jobs by 2029.

More about the Mission

• The mission includes setting up of a dedicated fund, easing of cabotage regulations and financial incentives.
• The mission is based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amp up cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources.
• The three-phase Mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade, Union Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
• The mission has been divided into three phases, which will be implemented by 2029. The Centre aims to increase sea cruise calls from 125 to 500 by Phase-3.
• Till October 2025, the Centre will conduct market studies and identification of projects to support in financial and regulatory ways going forward.
• Between 2025-27, the ministry will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits.
• In Phase-3, the Centre will look to integrate all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent.