The Ministry of Waterways under its Sagarmala program has pushed forward several reforms and initiatives in the maritime industry to strengthen the country’s socio-economic and regulatory environment.
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The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under its Sagarmala program has pushed forward several reforms and initiatives in the maritime industry to strengthen the country’s socio-economic and regulatory environment. One of the major initiatives of the Ministry is to promote and develop the Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) ferry transport eco system, which offers several advantages compared to conventional modes of transport, such as shorter travel distance , Lower logistics cost and less pollution.
Under Sagarmala, the ministry has started Ro-Pax ferry service between Ghogha-Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai-Mandwa in Maharashtra. These services have transported more than 24.15 lakh passengers and 4.58 lakh cars and 36.3 thousand trucks, contributing to clean environment and public welfare.
Guidelines for Operation of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferry Service
- In order to standardize and streamline the development and operation of services, the Ministry has prepared and circulated the ‘Draft Guidelines for Operation of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferry Services on the Coast of India’ in June 2022 for stakeholder consultation.
- The Guidelines for Operation of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferry Services along the Coast of India seeks to harmonize and streamline the development and operation of ferry services. It aims to promote ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays, and disagreements and by introducing digital interventions at the customer interface.
- Taking into consideration the suggestions received from public and private stakeholders and with a view to set up world-class infrastructure and services along the beach, the Ministry has now constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Deendayal Port Authority , which will prepare the draft of the revised guidelines.
- Committee for Operation of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferry Services Draft a Model Concession Agreement for Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax Terminal Operator and Model License Agreement for Operation of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax/Fast Passenger Ferry Will prepare
- The committee will consider the ground realities to prepare for inclusion of safety standards of vessels, control mechanism on additional boarding of passengers/cargo, online ticketing system, revenue accounting/sharing mechanism, statutory clearances, exclusivity period, new and emerging technologies . Structured documentation that will eliminate unnecessary delays.
The committee will facilitate smooth and safe operation of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax ferry service. This will lead to ease of doing business by instilling confidence among all the stakeholders attracting more domestic and international businesses to invest and do business in the country.
Coastal shipping will be given a boost
- In the Union Budget 2023-24, it was proposed that coastal shipping would be promoted as an energy efficient and low cost mode of transport. It was planned to be done through PPP mode with viability gap funding which is in line with the country’s focus on green development.
- Underlining the importance of the move, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that the proposed committee will prepare and streamline the future roadmap for Ro-Pax ferry development in the country.
- Under the Sagarmala programme, the ministry is financially supporting 51 projects worth Rs. 1,900 crore to promote urban water transport services in India. Out of 51 projects, 10 projects costing Rs 500 crore have already been completed.
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