Cruise policy next month, India to attract 700 vessels, says Nitin Gadkari

27 Jun 2017 5:01 PM | General
348 Report

A cruise tourism policy is in the making and will be announced next month, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said today, with an aim to tap India's vast potential on this front and attract more vessels.

The country draws nearly 70 cruise vessels a year, which is expected to go up to 700 with this initiative. "Cruise tourism can be India's economic growth engine as there is a vast untapped potential. In a month, the policy will be ready as a joint working group comprising shipping and tourism secretaries is working on it," Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

India, with a 7,500 km of coastline, has taken some key steps to promote cruise that includes relaxation of policies and roping in global consultants.

The idea is to put India on the global cruise map both for oceans and rivers which is seen to create about 2.5 lakh jobs and boost growth.

Gadkari said modern cruise terminals being developed at ports will include hospitality, retail, shopping and restaurants, adding that about 200 minor ports will develop jetties for such cruise vessels.

Among other measures, the government has allowed foreign flag vessels carrying passengers to call at Indian ports without securing a licence from the director general of shipping till February 5, 2024.

Also, major ports will offer a minimum of 30% rebate across the board on all vessel related charges for cruise shipping and not levy any priority fee.

Incentives to push cruise liners to make major ports as home ports include a rebate of 25 per cent in vessel charges, in addition to the existing 40% discount for coastal vessels.

The minister added that the work to develop waterways on the Ganga and the Brahmaputra is on while that of another 10 waterways will start by December.

The government is spending Rs 250 crore on dredging in the Brahmaputra on the Bangladesh side, which once developed would facilitate transport till Myanmar.

Edited By

Shruthi G

Reported By

Shruthi G

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