In an exciting development for tourism in Visakhapatnam, the much-anticipated Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) is set to be inaugurated on September 4th by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Located within the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) premises, this terminal is part of a series of projects totaling Rs 333.56 crore that the Union Minister will inaugurate.

One of the primary projects is the VICT, with an investment of Rs 96.05 crore, partially funded by the Union Tourism Ministry. The terminal is designed to accommodate passenger vessels with a capacity of 2,000 passengers and a draft of 8.1 meters. Its objective is to attract international tourists and put Visakhapatnam on the global cruise tourism map.

Besides the VICT, the Minister will also unveil three other projects, including a covered storage shed, a revamped berth, and the Truck Parking Terminal (TPT). The covered storage shed, constructed at Rs 33.80 crore, aims to reduce pollution caused by open cargo storage. The TPT, spanning 20 acres and costing Rs 36.05 crore, will accommodate 666 vehicles.

Visakhapatnam's International Cruise Terminal is poised to boost tourism and the economy, with the potential to cater to 2,000 passengers, offering world-class facilities, and fostering employment opportunities. It's a significant step toward transforming the city into a prominent international tourist destination.

With an eye on future growth, the Union Minister also mentioned plans to attract nine lakh port-bound tourist arrivals by 2030 as part of the Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030 initiative. The projects inaugurated underscore India's commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and economic prosperity.

The Cruise Terminal Building, spanning 4,580.46 sq. meters across two floors, is equipped with essential facilities such as lounges, customs, immigration, quarantine counters, baggage handling facilities, scanning, concourse, restaurant, entertainment, shopping, health, business exhibitions, money exchange outlets, CCTV coverage, and ample parking space.

It features a 180-meter-long berth with four mooring dolphins, a terminal building covering 2,000 sq. meters, and adequate parking space for seven buses, 70 cars, and 40 two-wheelers. The terminal will operate as a Cruise Terminal from November to March, catering to passengers from around the world, and as a Coastal Cargo terminal from April to October.