Gujarat’s Cruise Tourism Initiative to Boost Access to Dwarka, Somnath & More
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Gujarat has become the first state to formally join the Union Government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, a strategic move to make India a global cruise tourism hotspot by 2029. Tapping into its extensive 2,340 km coastline and navigable rivers like the Sabarmati and Narmada, the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is developing a statewide cruise shipping policy and held a stakeholder workshop in May to steer infrastructure, port readiness, immigration protocols, and skill-building.
Three curated cruise clusters have been charted to combine spiritual, cultural, and scenic experiences within 100 km of each landing:
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Padala Island–Rann of Kutch: featuring surreal salt marshes and Kutch Rann Utsav.
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Porbandar–Veraval–Diu: traversing Gandhi’s birthplace, historic temples, and Portuguese architecture.
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Dwarka–Okha–Jamnagar: offering cruises to the Krishna pilgrimage site, adjoining coasts, palaces, and bird sanctuaries.
These circuits, anchored by the existing Ro‑Pax service from Ghogha to Hazira, aim to offer efficient shore excursions for cruise passengers.
The policy framework is advancing swiftly—the first draft is expected within a month—highlighting Gujarat’s proactive leadership under CM Bhupendra Patel. GMB CEO Rajkumar Beniwal and Tourism MD Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak emphasized “cruise-ready” destinations that smoothly integrate infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor experiences.
Why it matters:
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Makes spiritual hubs like Dwarka and Somnath more accessible via luxury marine routes.
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Positions Gujarat as a pioneer in India’s cruise tourism ecosystem, enhancing its global competitiveness.
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Boosts local economies through shore-based business, jobs, and sustainable tourism.
With its coastline and river network, Gujarat is establishing a holistic maritime tourist ecosystem, aligning central policies with local infrastructure growth. The initiative is all set to offer travellers an immersive voyage through Gujarat’s cultural and natural tapestry.
