The Union Ministry of Ports and Shipping has pledged full support for the development of Kollam Port, according to a written reply by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the Lok Sabha. The port’s multipurpose development project, funded by the Centre, enables it to handle luxury, cargo, and passenger ships and plans to launch shipping services to Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep.

The state government is responsible for Kollam Port’s development. To introduce passenger, cargo, and luxury ships, the state government and the maritime board must submit a proposal following the rules of the Sagarmala project.

The minister encouraged the maritime board to utilise Kollam Port’s potential by submitting the proposal through the state government for inclusion under the Sagarmala project, which funds large-scale port development.

Member of Parliament Premachandran has urged port officials to submit a comprehensive development proposal to the federal government under the Sagarmala project promptly. He has written to the state marine board chairman, port department secretary, and state port minister to expedite the process.

Source:Maritime Gateway