Kochi’s much awaited cruise terminal may be commissioned soon
India’s first full-fledged international cruise terminal is ready for commissioning at the Ernakulam Wharf on Willingdon Island in Kerala.
Sagarika, the ₹25-crore cruise terminal spread over 12,000 sq.ft., has facilities to handle up to 5,000 tourists arriving in cruise vessels. The commissioning was scheduled for April, but had to be postponed due the coronavirus crisis. A new date is expected to be announced shortly.
The terminal can be an important milestone for Kerala’s tourism sector, as the number of cruise ships visiting Kochi has been increasing every year. But many of these vessels that bring in high-spending tourists to the city had to be cancelled due to the COVID outbreak.
The new cruise terminal will bring under one roof the Customs personnel, Bureau of Immigration, and the CISF. Apart from revamping the Ernakulam Wharf, an area to stage traditional art forms, is also in the works. Eateries are also being considered in the vicinity.