India to be next cruising destination for the world: Union ports minister Sonowal

MUMBAI: Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced a high-level advisory committee, that includes members from international cruise lines, to assist the Apex Level Committee on Cruise Tourism in order boost the industry across India including Mumbai.
World's pribably the longest ropeway system to connect Mumbai to Elephanta Caves is also on, suggested a presentation made before ministers and the officials from different cruise liners across the world at a conference in Mumbai.Archaeological Survey of India wanted ropeway station towards Elephanta to be one kilometre away from the caves. According to port officers the talks are underway to arrive at mutually agreed land piece on Gharapuri island for the same and project was still on and not shelved.
Cruise tourism is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing components of the leisure industry, sonowal said. He was addressing the 1st Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 organised by the Mumbai Port Authority under the aegis of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, along with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The event also marks the beginning of 150th anniversary of the Mumbai port.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded a huge priority to the cruise sector," he said, adding, “India will be a magnificent cruise destination, and with the participation of global players, we will develop the sector and capture this growing market".
While speaking to the media persons, Sonowal announced the setting up of a high-level advisory Apex committee – to deliberate and anchor measures on boosting the cruise tourism sector, especially with an eye on increasing cruise calls at Indian ports, developing infrastructure, and improving the talent availability and jobs.
Sonowal said to tackle the talent shortage in the sector, three dedicated cruise training academies will be set up in the states of Goa, Kerala and West Bengal. “The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to generate more than two lakh new jobs” he said.
The minister virtually laid the foundation stone of Third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau, Mumbai. The birth will have a rated capacity of two million metric tonnes per annum and cater to very large gas carriers and tankers up to 72500 displacement tonnage. It will be equipped with the latest safety standards under OISD norms. He also virtually inaugurated DGLL's Kelshi Light House in Maharashtra and Dhanushya Kodi Light House in Tamilnadu.
Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways & Tourism Government of India, said the cruise industry is an emerging industry in India owing to the country's long coastline. He said that up-gradation and modernisation of the cruise infrastructure are being carried out at Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai and Vizag ports.
The minister also alluded to the large inland waterways network that makes the country an ideal destination for river cruises. Further, the minister asked the cruise business fraternity to share their expectations and suggestions during the conference. "We will surely work on the takeaways from the discussions to develop a robust cruise tourism ecosystem in the country", he said.
Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Mormugao Port Authority, said the current cruise ecosystem, including the infrastructure and policy environment, is fast changing and will match the international standards within a reasonable time. He invited international cruise lines to priorities India in their expansion plans.
The Mumbai Port Authority is celebrating its 150th anniversary during 2022-23. The authority would organise a series of 365 events, including water sports, cultural programmes, awareness camps, heritage walks, and marathon run to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Mumbai Port Authority is now aiming to transform from a cargo port to a tourism port. In this regard, an ultra-modern international cruise terminal is under construction, RO Pax and water taxis transportation services are already operational, and Kanhoji Angre Island Tourism will be soon opened to the public. In addition, the world's longest ropeway system over the sea will connect Mumbai to the Elephanta Caves, said an official release issued here.
Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, said Indian cruise tourism market has the potential to grow ten-times over the next decade given the rising disposable incomes.
GKV Rao, Director General – Tourism, Government of India, said the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Tourism jointly been working to identify and create routes and see that SOPs are issued.
Dhruv Kotak, Chairman-Ports and Shipping, FICCI Committee on Transport Infrastructure, said India is now slated to be the fastest growing cruise market in the next five years and among the top five cruise markets anywhere in the world. "I think the kind of infrastructure we are seeing now will make the travel experience truly world-class", he said. Adesh Titarmare, Dy Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority also spoke at the conference.