Gujarat launches Cruise Bharat Mission to boost maritime tourism

By Admin

09 Jul, 2025

Gujarat is steering into the future of maritime tourism with its ambitious participation in the Cruise Bharat Mission, a national initiative by the Union government to transform India into a globally recognized cruise tourism hub. Becoming the first state to align with the mission, Gujarat is laying a strong foundation to harness the full potential of its 2,340-kilometre coastline and navigable rivers like the Sabarmati and Narmada.

Workshop to Shape the Future

To kickstart this vision, the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) recently conducted a day-long workshop with multiple stakeholders. This preliminary exercise marked the beginning of drafting a comprehensive cruise shipping policy for the state. During the event, officials, maritime experts, tourism professionals, and industry players came together to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the road ahead for cruise tourism in Gujarat.

Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary (Ports and Transport), highlighted the state’s integrated approach a blend of robust infrastructure, clear policy framework, and tourism development strategies. A panel discussion further enriched the dialogue by addressing existing gaps and exploring future growth prospects for the cruise industry in the region.

Proposed Cruise Circuits on the Western Coast

As part of its contribution to the Cruise Bharat Mission, Gujarat has identified and proposed three cruise circuits that aim to seamlessly blend religious, natural, and cultural tourism across the western coast:

1. Padala Island – Rann of Kutch Cluster
   A scenic and culturally rich route connecting the pristine Padala Island to the unique salt desert of the Rann of Kutch.
   
   

2. Porbandar – Veraval – Diu Cluster
   A circuit deeply rooted in coastal heritage and religious significance, perfect for tourists seeking both spiritual and leisure experiences.
   
   

3. Dwarka – Okha – Jamnagar Cluster
   A spiritually significant trail with a mix of temples, marine biodiversity, and historical landmarks.
   
   

These clusters are strategically planned so that every cruise circuit maintains key attractions within a 100-kilometre radius, making shore excursions efficient and appealing for domestic and international tourists alike.

Strengthening Existing Services

In addition to the new cruise circuits, Gujarat continues to promote its operational Ghogha–Hazira Ro-Pax (Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger) service, which has already proved to be a game-changer in regional connectivity and passenger convenience. This service complements the vision of Cruise Bharat by offering seamless water-based transportation across key locations.

Gujarat’s Vision for Maritime Tourism

With a strong emphasis on infrastructure and policy support, Gujarat is positioning itself as a front-runner in India’s cruise tourism industry. The state’s proactive engagement and quick alignment with the Cruise Bharat Mission reflect its commitment to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and world-class maritime tourism.

As cruise tourism gains momentum, Gujarat’s blend of heritage sites, natural wonders, and spiritual destinations is expected to offer unforgettable experiences to travelers while generating employment and economic growth across coastal regions.