Surat: A cruise service connecting southern Gujarat city Surat to Maharashtra capital Mumbai will start from November 10 from Hazira (coastal industrial belt of Surat). The service will be operated by Essar.

Addressing a press conference in Surat, Sanjiv Agrawal said the capacity of cruise will be 250. It will have facilities matching to international cruises, such as discotheque, bar room, sports facilities and more.

The cruise vessel will have two level and upper deck – in total 3-deck facility. Twin screw vessel will have bow thruster. Indian and continental food will be offered on board. Those who want to enjoy journey with family members will have facility of room. There are total 20 rooms for this purpose. The vessel will have cabin and lounge, both facilities.

The service will be operated between Hazira and Bandra – Worli sea link will be initially operated once in a week. It will leave sea link in Mumbai every Thursday at 5.00 pm and reach Hazira based Essar bulk terminal at 9.00 am next day (Friday).

In return journey, it will leave Hazira at 5.00 pm on Friday and reach Bandra Worli Sea Link in Mumbai at 9 am next day (Saturday). Number of trips will be increased based on the response.

Chief Nautical Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) Captain AB Solanki said, the cruise service will become possible thanks to cooperation extended by Essar bulk terminal ltd.

Captain Subhash Das, CEO of Essar bulk terminal said infrastructure facilities to operate such cruise service has been developed by company at its Hazira marine terminal.

DeshGujarat