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N.K. Kurup

Mumbai, July 11

"IF unable to attract cargo, attract tourists." This seems to be the advice from the Shipping Minister, Mr Shatrugan Sinha, to the major ports on the Western coast.

The Minister has asked four Government run major ports — Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and Kochi — together to launch a major drive to promote "port tourism.'

Mr Sinha's grand plan is to convert part of the waterfront on these ports to entertainment centres on the lines of some of the great piers around the world. And link these four ports (if possible also a fifth one (Tuticorin) with a cruise service called "Coastal India Cruise."

"We are excited by the idea. This will not only add to the ports' revenue but also boost tourism in these States," said a port official associated with the Minister's pet project. Ports such as Mumbai and Goa have been witnessing a fall in container traffic. Mumbai port, the premier port of the country until a few years ago, is losing cargo to the neighbouring JN Port. With the growing competition from modern private terminals such as NSICT, Mumbai port may find it difficult to attract large container vessels in the future. Its larger work force will continue to be a drain on the port's revenues. In the light of this background, it has been suggested that Mumbai port, being the city's biggest landlord (it is the largest owner of land in premier south Mumbai), can earmark part of its land (may be the dock area) for a modern convention and entertainment centre. This centre can be developed and run by private parties.

It is believed that Kochi, Goa and Mangalore ports too can be fully tapped, with the start of a cruise service of international standard. Kochi Port — being part of the God's Own Country — has been promoting the idea of port tourism for sometime now.

A committee set up by the Shipping Ministry to study the cruise service proposal has just finalised its report.

The Committee has suggested that the project should have financial support from both the States and the Centre; and that their departments of tourism should be directly associated with the project.

While it would be the responsibility of each port to set up passenger terminals and other shore facilities, cruise service will be operated by private parties.

The Ministry of Shipping is expected to issue guidelines on the basis of the committee's recommendations.

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