The Indian government has released draft guidelines for running Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) ferry services throughout the country’s coastline. According to an official release, the standards cover terminal operations as well as the licencing of Ro-Pax (passenger) vessels. These standards will standardise and streamline the creation and operation of ferry services, as well as promote ease of doing business by removing unnecessary delays, resolving disagreements, and integrating digital interventions at the consumer interface.
The Shipping Ministry said that it is developing an ecosystem for promotion of Ro-Ro ferry and waterway transportation in the country. The Ministry said that it is financially supporting 45 projects with total project cost of Rs 1900 crore under the ambit of Sagarmala.
A Ro-Pax Ferry service between Ghogha – Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai – Mandwa in Maharashtra has been operationalized. “These services have transported more than 7 lakh passenger and 1.5 lakh vehicles. Additional projects are planned at Pipavav and Muldwarka in Gujarat and Ghodbunder, Veldur, Vasai, Kashid, Rewas, Manori and JN Port in Maharashtra. In addition to these, the Shipping Ministry is supporting 4 projects in Andhra Pradesh, 2 projects in Odisha and 1 each in Tamil Nadu and Goa.
