The Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) and Roll on-Passenger (Ro-Pax) ferry service operationalisation guidelines committee has been formed by the Shipping Ministry. The Model Concession Agreement for Ro-Ro or Ro-Pax Terminal Operator and the Model License Agreement for Operation of the Ferry Services in the Nation would also be drafted by this committee, which is led by the Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority. This action is consistent with initiatives to advance coastal shipping via the Public Private Partnership (PPP) route outlined in the union budget for 2023-24.
According to a formal statement, the Committee will examine practical issues such as ship safety regulations, mechanisms to prevent overcrowding of people and cargo, online ticketing, income accounting, and revenue sharing, among others. The committee will also be responsible for statutory approvals, exclusivity periods, and inclusion of new and developing technology in structured documents that will prevent needless delays and disagreements and facilitate the efficient and secure operation of the ferry service.
