Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and interventions
Cruise Bharat Mission Overview:
- Objective: The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to tap into the vast potential of India’s cruise tourism sector, with the goal of doubling the cruise passenger traffic by 2029.
- Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways will be the nodal ministry overseeing the project.
Implementation Phases:
- Phase 1 (01.10.2024 – 30.09.2025): This phase will focus on research, master planning, and establishing cruise partnerships with neighboring countries. It will also work on modernizing existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.
- Phase 2 (01.10.2025 – 31.03.2027): In this phase, the emphasis will shift to developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and high-potential destinations for enhancing cruise circuits.
- Phase 3 (01.04.2027 – 31.03.2029): The final phase will integrate all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, highlighting the cruise ecosystem’s maturity while continuing with the development of new infrastructure.
Strategic Pillars:
- Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: This focuses on developing modern infrastructure, including cruise terminals, marinas, and water aerodromes. It emphasizes decarbonization efforts, such as shore power and digitalization through facial recognition systems. It also includes the creation of a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047 and setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Indian Ports Association (IPA).
- Operations and Technology-Enabled Systems: This will streamline operations, improve digital clearance systems, and facilitate e-visa systems to ensure smooth boarding and disembarkation.
- Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: This focuses on promoting international investments and marketing, linking cruise circuits, and organizing events like the “Cruise India Summit” while creating alliances with neighboring countries.
- Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policies: The mission will develop customized fiscal and financial policies, focusing on tax policies, cruise regulations, and launching a National Cruise Tourism Policy.
- Capacity Building & Economic Research: This will establish skill-building initiatives and create a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research. It will also set National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment.
