Goverment approves new guideline to promote coastal shipping
Picture for representational purpose
New Delhi: To decongest railways and road transport, the government today approved new guidelines that will promote coastal shipping. The country’s 12 major ports have been asked to earmark exclusive berths and green channel for coastal cargo to promote the sector.
The ministry of shipping has issued new guidelines under which these ports will have to give priority berthing to dry bulk or general cargo coastal vessels irrespective of the origin and final destination of the cargo, an official statement said.
The 12 ports are Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Kolkata (with Haldia), Chennai, Visakha-patanam, Cochin, Paradip, New Mangalore, Marmagao, Ennore, Tuticorin and Kandla.
The guidelines, appr-oved by shipping minister Nitin Gadkari, also provide for concessional port charges whether the vessel is berthed on priority basis or on normal basis. The guidelines are aimed at promoting coastal shipping to reduce pressure on rail and road transport systems.
( Source : PTI )
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