Parliament Question: Cruise Bharat Mission

**Executive Summary** The document is a response to Unstarred Question No. 1141 in Lok Sabha regarding the Cruise Bharat Mission (CBM). The response, answered on December 5, 2025, outlines the mission's effectiveness in boosting cruise passenger traffic, the strategies for integrating cruise circuits, and the plan for measuring its long-term impact. The CBM launched on September 30, 2024, aims to generate 0.4 million employment by 2029. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Cruise Bharat Mission Launch and Purpose:** * Launched on September 30, 2024, to provide a framework for inter-ministerial coordination. * Aims to integrate policy, regulatory aspects, and the involvement of various agencies (Customs, Immigration, CISF, etc.) to promote cruise tourism. * **Cruise Traffic Statistics:** * Ocean cruise footfall: 4.92 lakh passengers with 272 calls in FY 2024–25 (compared to 4.71 lakh passengers with 253 calls in FY 2023-24). * River cruise circuits: 4.33 lakh passengers in FY 2024–25. * **Operationalisation and New Circuits:** * Puducherry Port operationalized for cruise services, with the inaugural call of *Empress of Cordelia Cruises* on July 4, 2025. * New circuits connecting Vizag-Puducherry-Chennai-Sri Lanka have been operationalized. * **Infrastructure and Development:** * Fifteen river cruise circuits operational on 13 National Waterways across 9 states. * 9 cruise destinations are operational, including six Major Ports and Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands. * **Tourism and Local Integration:** * Local culture and handicrafts are being showcased to cruise passengers. * Local tourist guides are being provided. * Destination Task Forces have been formed at all 9 cruise destinations and at Gujarat Maritime Board to facilitate coordination. * **Regulatory Standards** * Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) - 3 for Cruise vessels at Indian Ports has been issued by Ministry of Tourism on June 19, 2025. * **Employment Generation:** * The goal is to generate 0.4 million employment by 2029, as a key performance indicator of the CBM. **Impact Analysis** **Regulatory Agencies (Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, local police)** * **Impact**: Require responsible involvement in the cruise sector under the framework of the Cruise Bharat Mission. * **Action Required**: Participate in inter-ministerial coordination to streamline policies and regulations. **Cruise Passengers** * **Impact**: Enhanced cruise experience with integration of local culture and seamless service. * **Action Required**: Be aware of implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) **Local Artisans and Tourist Guides** * **Impact**: Increased economic opportunity through showcasing local culture and providing guided tours. * **Action Required**: Participate in cruise destination activities to promote local culture and tourism. **Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Industry Stakeholders** * **Impact**: Increased cruise traffic and expansion of cruise circuits. * **Action Required**: Coordinate with the Gujarat Maritime Board to provide seamless cruise experience. **Coastal States** * **Impact**: Expected employment generation and economic growth due to the Cruise Bharat Mission. * **Action Required**: Monitor and support the implementation of the Cruise Bharat Mission to achieve the employment targets.

Key Entities Referenced