Bhubaneswar: While India’s cruise tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, marked by an increase in cruise calls and passenger numbers and bolstered by strategic regulatory reforms and infrastructure development under the “Cruise Bharat Mission,” the state of Odisha appears to be lagging in capitalizing on its vast potential.
Recent data from FY 2024-25 highlights a healthy growth in cruise tourism nationwide, with 272 cruise calls and 4.92 lakh passengers, a notable increase from the previous fiscal year. This growth is supported by initiatives like the Cruise QR Code clearance system, digitized customs procedures, and liberalized advance remittance policies for lease payments for ships.
The recent operationalization of Puducherry Port for cruise services, with the inaugural call of “Empress of Cordelia Cruises,” further underscores the nation’s expanding cruise landscape. Major cruise ports are currently established across states like Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with additional calls in Union Territories like Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Furthermore, 29 National Waterways are now operational across 11 states, with three exclusively dedicated to cruise movement.
The “Cruise Bharat Mission” itself aims to generate approximately 0.4 million jobs, indicating the significant economic opportunities associated with this sector. The Union Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has emphasized the government’s commitment to harnessing India’s “Blue Economy” potential through cruise tourism, with targets to significantly increase cruise calls and passenger volumes.
However, despite Odisha’s rich coastline (574.7 km), extensive network of rivers, and diverse water bodies like Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lake), the state’s presence in the booming cruise tourism map remains minimal. While the Centre is developing National Waterways in Odisha for cargo and river cruise tourism (NW-5, encompassing Brahmani, Mahanadi Delta, and East Coast Canal), and there are plans for luxurious houseboat stays in Chilika and Bhitarkanika, Odisha is yet to establish itself as a prominent sea cruise destination.
Why Odisha is Missing Out and What Needs to Be Done:
- Lack of Dedicated Sea Cruise Ports and Infrastructure: Unlike other coastal states that have developed dedicated cruise terminals, Odisha’s ports-Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur primarily focus on cargo. While Visakhapatnam, a neighboring port in Andhra Pradesh, is actively strengthening its cruise infrastructure, Odisha needs similar dedicated investment in world-class cruise terminals and related amenities.
- Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Balance: Odisha boasts ecologically sensitive areas like Chilika Lake and Bhitarkanika National Park, which offer immense potential for eco-tourism and river cruises. However, there are valid concerns from environmentalists regarding the impact of large mechanized vessels on these fragile ecosystems. A balanced approach is crucial, involving detailed environmental impact assessments and the development of sustainable, low-impact cruise options.
- Connectivity and Last-Mile Access: While the state has improved air and rail connectivity, seamless last-mile connectivity from potential cruise disembarkation points to major tourist attractions remains vital.
- Promotion and Marketing: Aggressive promotion of Odisha’s unique coastal and inland waterways, coupled with curated cruise packages highlighting its cultural heritage, eco-tourism sites, and spiritual destinations (like Puri), is essential to attract both domestic and international tourists.
- Policy Focus and Investment Attraction: The state’s “Vision 2047” aims to position Odisha as a top eco-cultural tourism hub, attracting significant investment. However, a specific and robust policy framework, coupled with attractive incentives for cruise line operators and private investors, is needed to translate this vision into tangible cruise tourism development.
- Skilling and Service Development: The “Cruise Bharat Mission” emphasizes job creation. Odisha needs to develop skilled manpower for various aspects of cruise operations, including hospitality, navigation, and local guiding.
Odisha possesses a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage that could make it a compelling cruise destination. By strategically investing in infrastructure, addressing environmental concerns with sustainable practices, and actively promoting its unique offerings, Odisha can indeed “catch the boat” and become a significant player in India’s burgeoning cruise tourism industry, contributing significantly to its economic growth and job creation aspirations.