Sonowal says 10 projects of RoRo/RoPax Jetties, Passenger Jetties have been completed
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has identified a potential of 1,300 MTPA cargo movement by coastal shipping by 2047’.
This update was given on 21 Dec 2023 by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to the Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee.
Cargo handling in National Waterways has grown by more than 1,700% to 126.15 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2022-23 from 6.83 MMT about 10 years ago.
He also disclosed that the MoPSW has introduced green channel clearance, first and last mile road and rail connectivity, sectoral plans for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) under National logistics policy etc. for the promotion of coastal shipping.
“Today, Government has taken various projects under the Sagarmala Programme for enhancement of Coastal Cargo handling capacity and facilitation of passenger movement along the coast,” he said.
Five dedicated coastal berths have been developed, creating handling capacity of 6.34 MTPA.
Apart from these berths, 10 projects of RoRo/RoPax Jetties, Passenger Jetties etc. worth Rs.527crore have also been completed, said Sonowal.
To facilitate the coastal vessels the MoPSW has also introduced priority berthing policy and ‘Green’ channel clearance for faster evacuation of coastal cargo at ports. A discount of 40% is offered by major ports on vessel and cargo related charges to coastal cargo vessels. After looking at the potential the government has also reduced GST on bunker fuels used in Indian Flag Vessels from 18% to 5%.
Development of agglomeration centres, silo infrastructure, dedicated warehousing facilities and improvement in end-to-end logistics supply chain are also the focus areas of the ministry for promoting coastal sipping further.
Under the National Logistics Policy (NLP) Sectoral Plans for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) being prepared by line ministries (Food, Fertilizer, Steel, Coal, Cement, P&NG etc.) for promotion of sustainable modes of transport like Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways.
Even earmarking of minimum cargo – Public Sector Undertakings (PSU’s) like coal and fertilizers through Coastal Shipping has also been formalised. Fiinews.com
