Centre floats draft guidelines for operating ro-ro ferry services on India’s coastline

The centre has floated draft guidelines for operating roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ferry services on India’s coastline. The guidelines encompass the two aspects of ferry operation – concessions for terminal operation and li­cence for operation of ro-pax (passenger) vessels. According to the gui­delines for operationalising ro-ro and ro-pax ferry services, a 15-year concession period is offered for the player interested in becoming a terminal operator. There is a 10-year licence period for the operation of ro-pax vessels and fast passenger ferries. These guidelines will homo­genise and streamline the development and operation of ferry services, along with promoting the ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays and disagreements, and introducing digital interventions at the customer interface.