According to an official statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will now financially support 45 Ro-Ro (roll-on-roll-off) ferry projects at a total cost of Rs 1,900 crore.

The ministry has operationalized the Ro-Pax ferry service (roll-on-roll-off passengers) from Ghogha-Hazira in Gujarat to Mumbai-Mandwa in Maharashtra.

The services transported more than 7 lakh passengers and 1.5 lakh vehicles, contributing to a clean environment and public wellbeing.

The projects have high demand and potential, and additional projects are planned in Pipavav and Muldwarka, Gujarat and Ghodbunder, Vasai, Veldur, Manori, Kashid, Rewas and JN Port, Maharashtra, the statement said.

The Ministry has prepared a draft of 'Guidelines for the Operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferry Services with the coast of India' after processing preliminary input from stakeholders.

The statement added that the guidelines will homogenize and streamline the development and operation of ferry services. It will further facilitate business by eliminating unnecessary delays, disputes and introducing digital interventions to the customer interface.

The guidelines would further help state/UT governments and port authorities to implement such projects through standardization of procedures, it said.