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The Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, has conveyed its 'No Objection' for operation of cruise services by a Cruise liner on two sectors, namely Mumbai to Lakshadweep (Kadmat Island) and Mumbai to Goa. Cruise operations are expected to start by October this year.
Earlier, a High Powered Steering Group under the Chairmanship of Thiru T. R. Baalu, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, with Smt. Renuka Chowdhary, Minister of State for Tourism as Co-Chairperson was set up to catalyze the growth and development of cruise shipping in India. Out of a total of nine sub-groups constituted by the Steering Group to make specific recommendations, four sub-groups have submitted their reports on identification of ports, immigration issues, taxation issues and issues pertaining to customs clearances for suitable incorporation in the Draft Cruise Shipping Policy of the Country.
A delegation of top Executives of the Star Cruises, Malaysia, which has proposed to start its operation on two Indian sectors met Thiru. T. R. Baalu here today and complimented him for his initiatives for expeditious development of cruise shipping in the country. The Star Cruises Group is one of the prominent Cruise Ship Operators covering about 200 destinations world over. The delegation members led by Mr. Chong Chee Tut also put forth a few teething problems for efficient and sustainable cruise shipping operations in India, which included the provision of priority berthing at Mumbai Port and duty free bunkering for their Cruise Ships.
Thiru T. R. Baalu welcomed the venture of Star Cruises in India and assured them all possible support from the Government side to promote Cruise Shipping in India.
NCJ/BS
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