Question : EXPANSION AND PROMOTION OF COASTAL SHIPPING

(a) whether the Union Government has formulated a general policy for promotion of coastal shipping in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has received proposals from various States including Kerala in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government thereon;

(e) the areas identified alongwith the funds allocated for the purpose; and

(f) the steps taken by the Union Government so far for expansion and promotion of coastal shipping in the country?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K.VASAN)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) & (f): For development of coastal shipping, the following two schemes were proposed:-

(i) Coastal Shipping Development Fund for acquisition of coastal vessels; and

(ii) Centrally Sponsored Scheme for development of coastal shipping infrastructure.

The budgetary support proposed for these schemes in the Eleventh Five Year Plan was Rs.500 crore each. But the schemes could not be implemented as no allocation was made in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.