RCL to Introduce Paradip-Port Klang Service under Odisha VGF Scheme

RCL (Ravindra Container Lines) is set to launch a new shipping service linking Paradip port in Odisha with Port Klang in Malaysia. This initiative is facilitated under the Odisha government's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, aimed at promoting maritime connectivity and trade facilitation. The upcoming service holds strategic significance, offering a direct shipping route between Paradip and Port Klang, which is expected to bolster trade relations between India and Malaysia. It aligns with the government's efforts to promote regional connectivity and enhance the competitiveness of Indian ports in the global maritime landscape. Under the VGF scheme, the Odisha government provides financial support to incentivize shipping lines to operate on routes with potential economic benefits but face viability challenges. By subsidising operational costs, the scheme aims to attract shipping operators and stimulate trade growth in the region. The Paradip-Port Klang service is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of cargo movement, reduce transit times, and lower logistics costs for businesses engaged in bilateral trade between India and Malaysia. Additionally, it opens up new avenues for exporters and importers to access international markets more seamlessly. RCL's decision to introduce this service underscores the growing importance of Paradip port as a key maritime gateway on India's eastern coast. It also reflects the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to leverage infrastructure initiatives for fostering economic development and trade expansion.