India’s first full-fledged international cruise terminal that is coming up at Ernakulam wharf in Willingdon Island will be commissioned in February 2020, Cochin Port Trust (CPT) chairperson M. Beena said recently.
The ₹25.72-crore cruise terminal with facilities to handle 5,000 tourists will be spread over 12,200 sft. It will bring under one roof personnel of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and CISF, speeding up paperwork.
“Plans are also afoot to have regular helicopter services from the terminal to different tourist locales in Kerala. Its commissioning will see the revamping of the wharf, an area to stage traditional art forms, and the availability of ATM and food kiosks on the premises. There will also be a permanent space for selling artefacts and others to tourists, aimed at improving visitor experience,” she said.