Chennai Port is set to open its revamped cruise terminal to passengers, following the completion of a ₹29.8 crore modernisation project that began in early 2025. The upgrade is part of efforts under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Cruise Bharat Mission to promote cruise tourism and modernise cruise facilities at Indian ports.
The renovation has expanded the terminal’s capacity from about 1,000 to 1,800 passengers and focused on the southern side of the facility, complementing an earlier phase of modernisation completed in 2018 on the northern side. Key additions include exclusive embarkation and disembarkation zones, around 50 immigration counters, enhanced elevator and escalator facilities, improved interiors, Wi‑Fi, and a designated customs area.
The upgraded Chennai cruise terminal will handle passengers arriving from and departing to destinations such as Visakhapatnam, Sri Lanka, Puducherry and high‑sea cruise circuits, with cruise calls expected to increase compared with previous seasons. Plans also include food and beverage outlets on the mezzanine floor, further positioning Chennai as an important cruise tourism gateway on India’s east coast.
