Question : LOADING UNLOADING FACILITIES FOR BIG SHIPS

(a) whether the Government`s big ships are forced to go to neighbouring countries for loading and unloading and have to pay 40% extra for the purpose due to lack of proper facilities on Indian Ports;

(b) if so, whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard;

(c) if so, the facts thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to provide better infrastructural facilities, particularly modern cranes for loading and unloading of big ships?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a): No, Sir.

(b) & (c): Do not arise.

(d): Improvement of infrastructure facilities including cranes for loading/unloading of cargo is a continuous process and these are provided as per requirement of cargo to be handled by each port.