India to be a Cruise Hub by 2047: Sonowal
By Rediff Money Desk, NEWDELHI Dec 12, 2023 18:36
India aims to become a cruise hub by 2047, with passenger count reaching 50 lakh. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal outlines plans for cruise terminal development and policy changes.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The government is taking various measures to establish India as a cruise hub and increase the annual cruise passenger count to 50 lakh by 2047, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday.
The government envisions establishing India as the premier cruise hub in the Asia Pacific region, the minister for ports, shipping and waterways said.
"Our objective is to increase the annual number of cruise passengers in India to 50 lakhs over the Amrit Kaal by 2047, up from 4.72 lakhs at present," Sonowal said, addressing the 'Deloitte-Government Summit Aarohaa: Growth with Impact ' event here.
It will be a 10-fold rise from the current figures.
To achieve this goal, significant steps are being taken, including the development of state-of-the-art cruise terminals, the implementation of standardised procedures, and the introduction of e-visa facilities, among other measures, the minister said.
India will have 25 operational cruise terminals by 2047, he added.
To promote cruise tourism, Sonowal said that "a well-defined and consistent cruise tourism policy will be established in line with international standards and practices".
Later, speaking to PTI, the minister said Galathea Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Island will be developed as an International Container Transshipment Port.
This project on the key trade routes of the west and east can truly change the maritime landscape for the region.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) will connect India to the Middle East nations through shipping lanes, he noted.
"Our focus on the development of 5,000 km of Regional Waterway Grid (RWG) primarily comprising 4 key waterways and certain international routes will help facilitate regional trade in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries," Sonowal added.
The government envisions establishing India as the premier cruise hub in the Asia Pacific region, the minister for ports, shipping and waterways said.
"Our objective is to increase the annual number of cruise passengers in India to 50 lakhs over the Amrit Kaal by 2047, up from 4.72 lakhs at present," Sonowal said, addressing the 'Deloitte-Government Summit Aarohaa: Growth with Impact ' event here.
It will be a 10-fold rise from the current figures.
To achieve this goal, significant steps are being taken, including the development of state-of-the-art cruise terminals, the implementation of standardised procedures, and the introduction of e-visa facilities, among other measures, the minister said.
India will have 25 operational cruise terminals by 2047, he added.
To promote cruise tourism, Sonowal said that "a well-defined and consistent cruise tourism policy will be established in line with international standards and practices".
Later, speaking to PTI, the minister said Galathea Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Island will be developed as an International Container Transshipment Port.
This project on the key trade routes of the west and east can truly change the maritime landscape for the region.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) will connect India to the Middle East nations through shipping lanes, he noted.
"Our focus on the development of 5,000 km of Regional Waterway Grid (RWG) primarily comprising 4 key waterways and certain international routes will help facilitate regional trade in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries," Sonowal added.
DISCLAIMER - This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.
You May Like To Read
TODAY'S MOST TRADED COMPANIES
- Company Name
- Price
- Volume
- Vodafone Idea L
- 7.99 (+ 1.52)
- 58018780
- Mishtann Foods L
- 9.17 ( -5.17)
- 27555831
- Shree Securities
- 0.42 ( -6.67)
- 27309223
- AvanceTechnologies
- 0.90 ( -4.26)
- 25537567
- Rajnish Wellness
- 1.69 ( -2.87)
- 19267607
MORE NEWS
Zepto Cuts Losses, Revenue Doubles in FY24
Quick commerce firm Zepto narrowed its losses to Rs 1,248.6 crore in FY24, while...
KKR Sells 2.6% Stake in India Grid Trust for Rs...
Private equity firm KKR has sold a 2.6% stake in India Grid Trust for Rs 277 crore...
MFN Clause Suspension: India Needs Strategic...
Switzerland's suspension of the MFN clause in its tax treaty with India highlights the...