Context: The country's first full-fledged international cruise terminal, Sagarika at Cochin Port is inaugurated.

About Sagarika cruise terminal

• The Facility has been inaugurated at Ernakulam wharf in Willingdon Island.
• Major Port:The Cochin Port Trust has catered to the requirements of major cruise operators in the industry and port sources.

Key Features

• It will cater to one lakh international cruise guests annually.
• The construction cost of 25.72 Crore.

Benefits

• Facilities at port: A dedicated terminal will provide all statutory clearances, including Customs and Immigration, for cruise passengers.
• Passenger friendly amenities: Other amenities included walk-in-berthing, assured quality bunkers, and freshwater services.
• Speeding up clearance process: It will bring under one roof personnel of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and CISF.
• Promotion of local culture: Its commissioning will see the revamping of the wharf, an area to stage traditional art forms, and the availability of ATMsand food kiosks on the premises.
• Boost in tourism and revenue generation: It will help in tourism promotion and revenue generation for the economy.

Employment opportunities: Cruise terminal operation will generate direct and indirect employment.

Other Project unveiled by PM

• Inauguration of the Marine Engineering Training Institute of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. will help those wanting to study marine engineering.
• South Coal Berth would bring down logistics costs and improve cargo capacities.
• Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) will help strengthen India’s journey towards being Aatmanirbhar as it will save foreign exchange.
• With Ro-Ro Vessels, a distance of almost 30 km on road will become 3.5 km through waterways leading to less congestion and more convenience, commerce and capacity-building.