Draft guidelines prepared for Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry services along the coast of India
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has planned Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) ferries at Pipavav and Muldwarka in Gujarat and Ghodbunder, Veldur, Vasai, Kashid, Rewas, Manori and JN Port in Maharashtra.
In addition, Ministry is supporting 4 projects in Andhra Pradesh, 2 projects in Odisha and 1 each in Tamil Nadu and Goa.
These developments are part of the Sagarmala Programme.
The Ministry is also financially supporting 45 projects, estimated to cost Rs.1,900 crore under Sagarmala Programme for Ro-Pax Ferry service between Ghogha-Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai-Mandwa in Maharashtra.
These services have transported more than 7 lakh passenger and 1.5 lakh vehicles, contributing towards clean environment and public welfare, the Ministry said on 16 June 2022.
The Sagarmala Programme has embarked on developing an ecosystem for promotion and waterway transportation in the country.
This mode of transportation has multiple benefits including reduced travel time, reduced logistics cost and lower pollution in comparison to conventional mode of transportation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has drafted “Guidelines for Operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India” after incorporating the preliminary inputs received from the stakeholders. The guidelines encompass two aspects of ferry operation, that is concessions for terminal operation and license for operation of Ro-Pax vessels.
These guidelines will homogenize and streamline the development and operations of ferry services, along with, promoting ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays, disagreements and introducing digital interventions at customer interface.
They will also help State and Union Territory Governments and Port Authorities in implementation of such projects by standardization of procedures. Further, it will help in instilling confidence among the private players thereby increasing their participation and promoting healthy competition in such projects.
The Ministry intends to seek feedback and suggestions on the drafted guidelines for operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India from all stakeholders.
The document can be accessed from the websites of the MoPSW and Sagarmala on the links https://shipmin.gov.in/ and https://sagarmala.gov.in/ respectively.
Suggestions can be sent to sagar.mala@gov.in the proforma attached as Annexure I of the guidelines within 21 days from the date of publication, said the Ministry. fiinews.com
