“We spoke to the operators on Monday and they had assured to resume service after completing repair within a month. The incentive is being provided as the operator is incurring a huge loss because they are not getting return cargo. The government is taking steps to improve the infrastructure at minor ports to promote coastal shipping. The draft at Azheekkal port has to be increased. We have initiated steps to get environmental clearance. The draft at Kollam and Beypore ports has to be increased to 10m. We have prepared a DPR. The plan is to get the work completed under Sagarmala project,” said private secretary to ports minister P T Joy.
“There are challenges in operating ships to minor ports as the draft is low and there is lack of infrastructure. The ships have to wait for the tide and there is no night traffic. There is delay in receiving the incentive announced by the government. There is no mechanism to ensure timely payment of incentive. An amount of `90 lakh is due. The shipping service needs big investment and operational costs are high. The service was stopped on March 21 and we are reworking the strategy,” said an official with the service provider.
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