Centre Keen On Forumla One Powerboat Championship To Promote Tourism In Mumbai Cruise Circuit

As part of its ambitious cruise tourism plan, the Centre is considering developing the Mumbai harbour for the Formula One Powerboat championship, reports Mint. According to senior officials of the Ministry of Shipping, the organisers of the race Union Internationale Motonautique and promoters H2O racing had approached the government and a reconnaissance or recce had been carried out, but a final word is still being awaited.

The Formula One Powerboat Championship, also known as F1H2O is the highest class in inshore powerboat racing. Each race typically lasts 45 minutes and is organised in a riverbed, lake or habour.

Under the Mumbai Cruise Tourism action plan, the government wants to develop F1H2O as a key attraction. The plan also proposes developing Mandwa port (that leads to the town of Alibaug) as a wellness destination including facilities to promote yoga and meditation that will be built on land owned by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). Other areas that will be developed are Sassoon Docks, Sewree Fort, Alibaug, Vijaydurg and Kanhoji Angre Island. The final plan was approved by Union Minister for Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Tourism K J Alphons and officials of the MbPT and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

The government plans to develop water sports and other recreational facilities including restaurants at the cruise terminal.

India presently has five cruise terminals, located at Mumbai, Chennai, Mangalore, Goa and Kochi. The Centre has actively been promoting cruise tourism by, offering steep discounts and e-visas for foreign tourists.