For shifting of cargo from conventional land-based transportation to coastal shipping mode, several projects have been undertaken under Sagarmala Programme, said the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. As a result, there is a constant increase in coastal shipping traffic in the last three years.
To enhance freight movement through coastal shipping, the Government of India (GOI) has taken measures like the Coastal Berth Scheme, license relaxation under section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, discounts offered by major ports, priority berthing policy for coastal vessels, reduction of GST on bunker fuels, green channel clearance, reimbursement of freight subsidy on primary movement of subsidized urea and P&K fertilizers, etc.
