Context: Recently, the Shipping Ministry launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ to double cruise calls, passengers within five years

• The mission, which also aims to excel India's vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination, targets three key cruise segments -- the ocean and harbour, river, inland and island.

About Cruise Bharat Mission

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways

• Aim: To excel in India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination.

• It also aims to

• double cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029. 

• In 2024, passengers traffic is  4.6 lakh. 

• double volume of cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030. 

Phasewise implementation:

• Phase 1 (2024 to 2025): Focus will be on forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries, etc. 

• Phase 2 (2025 to 2027): Developing new cruise terminals, destinations etc.

• Phase 3 (2027 to 2029): Integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent. 

Three key cruise segments:

1. Ocean & Harbour Cruise segment: Encompasses ocean cruises, including deep-sea and coastal cruises, along with harbour-based yachting and sailing cruises.

2. River & Inland Cruise segment: Focuses on river and inland cruises on canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes.

3. Island Cruise segment: Highlights inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, etc. 

The mission has identified key initiatives across five strategic pillars.

1. The Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: 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).It includes creating a National Cruise Infrastructure Master Plan 2047, setting up a cruise-focused SPV under Indian Ports Association (IPA), and establishing a cruise development fund.

2. The Operations Including Technology Enabled: This 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.

3. The Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: It focuses on international marketing and investment promotion, including linking cruise circuits, hosting events like the "Cruise India Summit," and forming alliances with neighbouring countries.

4. The Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy: This pillar is 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.

5. The Capacity Building and Economic Research: This 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 Mission 

• Employment generation, creation of 4 lakh jobs in the revamped Cruise Sector.

• Promote the cultural, historical, and natural circuits of the Indian Subcontinent.

• Developing world class infrastructure which can be also leveraged for maritime trade, etc.