Kerala - Kochi   

Central nod for cruise terminal project in Kochi

John L. Paul

Cruise terminal project in Kochi

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Union Ministry of Shipping has permitted the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) to undertake the proposed cruise-terminal project in the port city.

This comes in the wake of other ports, including Mumbai and Tuticorin, evincing interest in undertaking cruise-terminal projects at their ports as well. Sources in the CPT said that a budget of Rs.50 crores had been set apart for the first phase of the project.

"At least 40 cruise vessels from around the world are expected to call at Kochi next year." Kochi port is more popular than Mumbai port and is closer to the international shipping route. "There is urgent need to set up a full-fledged cruise terminal here," the sources said.

On November 1, Staff Flier, luxury cruise liner, is scheduled to call at Kochi. With more queries from shipping companies, there is competition among agents to do ground handling and make arrangements for the tourists. Twenty cruise ships called at Kochi from March 2004 to March 2005.

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has evinced interest in joining the CPT to provide recreational and other facilities for tourists at the cruise terminal.

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