MoS to designate a port as transshipment hub to cut dependence on Colombo Port

In order to cut India’s dependence on overseas hubs to send and receive container cargo, shipping ministry has decided to designate a port as a transshipment hub. The step has been taken under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. The Ministry will pick the port based on the report submitted by a committee formed for the purpose of deciding the criteria for declaring a port and developing it as a transshipment hub.
Container volumes handled at Indian ports in FY19 hit 16.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with the Central government-owned major ports handling 9.8 million TEUs and private ports handling 6.7 million TEUs, according to the Ministry of Shipping.