Cargo handling in national waterways sees a growth of over 1,700% between 2013-14 and 2022-23

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a meeting in New Delhi to discuss the ‘Coastal Shipping Policy.’ The ministry has identified a potential of 1300 MTPA cargo movement by coastal shipping by 2047. To promote coastal shipping, the ministry has introduced measures such as green channel clearance, first and last-mile road and rail connectivity, and sectoral plans for efficient logistics.

The ministry has also developed five dedicated coastal berths with a handling capacity of 6.34 MTPA. Additionally, 10 projects of RoRo/RoPax jetties, passenger jetties, etc. worth Rs. 527 crore have been completed. To facilitate coastal vessels, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has introduced a priority berthing policy and green channel clearance for faster evacuation of coastal cargo at ports. Major ports offer a 40% discount on vessel and cargo-related charges to coastal cargo vessels, and the government has reduced GST on bunker fuels used in Indian Flag Vessels from 18% to 5%.

The ministry is also focusing on the development of agglomeration centers, silo infrastructure, dedicated warehousing facilities, and improvement in the end-to-end logistics supply chain to further promote coastal shipping. Under the National Logistics Policy, sectoral plans for efficient logistics are being prepared for the promotion of sustainable modes of transport like coastal shipping and inland waterways. Additionally, minimum cargo earmarking for public sector undertakings like coal and fertilizers through coastal shipping has been formalized.

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