The Ro-Ro ferry services will be licensed to operate for 7 years

The Port and Shipping Ministry has proposed an exclusivity period of seven years to private players for operating roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services on select routes along India's coastline. The draft guidelines released a few days ago encompass terminal operation and license for operation of Ro-Pax (passenger) vessels.

A 15-year concession period is offered for the player interested in becoming a terminal operatorqq.

 There is a 10-year license period for operation of Ro-Pax vessels and fast passenger ferries, according to the proposed guidelines for operationlizing  Ro Ro and Ro Pax ferry services, an official statement said.

The Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax terminals are to be developed and operated at major ports and non-major ports through private participation. "These guidelines will homogenize and streamline the development and operations of ferry services, along with, promoting ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays, disagreements and introducing digital interventions at customer interface," the

The Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax terminals are to be developed and operated at major ports and non-major ports through private participation, the statement said. The Port and Shipping ministry said it is developing an ecosystem for promotion of Ro-Ro ferry and waterway transportation in the country. The Ministry said it is financially supporting 45 projects, with a total project cost of Rs 1,900 crore, under 'Sagarmala'.