New Delhi, Mar 31: Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (I/C) Shri Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated a first of its kind cruise service from Hazira Port of Surat to Diu on 31th March 2021. This small cruise line has a capacity of 300 passengers. It is also equipped with a gaming lounge, VIP lounge and other modern amenities to cater to the entertainment of the passengers. The trip is nominally priced at Rs.900.
Prior to this, in November of 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji inaugurated ‘Hazira- Ghogha’ RoPAX ferry service. The 370 km road distance between the two places has been reduced to a 60 Km sea route thereby saving time and cost of travel. It is reported that more than one lakh passengers and thousands of vehicles have utilised this ferry service till date.
Why is this important?
India has a long coastline and navigable waterways measuring up to 7500 km. It has huge potential for development of the Maritime sector. In a bid to develop the same, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has started a program called the Sagarmala programme to promote growth in this area. By developing cruise tourism, lighthouses, museums and underwater galleries they wish to not only promote tourism, but also generate local employment and boost local business in the coastal regions. The starting of the cruise ship is a first step towards promotion of cruise tourism along coastal & inland river waterways. Shifting to water transport where possible reduces both time and cost, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with rail and road transportation.
What is a RoPAX ferry? It is a ship which can transport both passengers and vehicles in one trip. RoPAX ferry service stands for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry service. This is different from Lo-Lo (lift on-lift off) ship that uses a crane to load the cargo. In RoPAX ferries a ramp is built to load vehicles on to the ship.
Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Visakhapattanam, Kolkata, and Chennai being designed as International cruise terminals
A well developed cruise industry can contribute significantly to the national economy.
To facilitate development, the Shipping Ministry has also reduced port tariff and tax rates by 60% to 70% for Cruise Ships. This has resulted in a four-fold jump in cruise callings on Indian ports in the last two years from 128 in 2015-16 to 593 in 2019-20.
Disadvantages: Rivers Mahisagar, Sabarmati and Narmada drain their water into the Gulf of Khambhat. During monsoons, this can lead to accumulation of large amount of silt in the gulf leading to inadequate depth and problems of navigating at low depth.
What is Maritime sector? Anything related to the ocean, sea, ships, and navigation of ships from one point to another carrying people or cargo and other related activities. It is an important economic sector because 89.5% of global trade is carried by sea.
Today, India celebrates its 58th National Maritime Day.
In 1919, navigation history was created when SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd., travelled to the United Kingdom from Mumbai. This was a crucial first step for India’s shipping history when most sea routes were controlled by the British.
The 1st National Maritime day was celebrated on April 5th in 1964.
“Varuna Award” is the highest award to honour individuals for their outstanding contribution in the in Maritime Sector.
SS Loyalty Varuna Award – Certificate and Statue of God Varuna National Maritime Foundation