Central government finalises standards for vessels plying the water bodies

The central government has finalised the standards for vessels to ply on waterbodies in the country. The standards have been finalised in consultation with a German firm for 13 categories of vessels including bulk carriers, container cargo vessels and vehicle carriers. The standardisation of vessels will allow companies to build and supply ships within the specifications laid down. The Inland Waterways Authority of India will also procure vessels via the tender route based on the standardised designs