 "Mumbai Port lowers port charges for coastal Ro-Ro service")
With an aim to encourage coastal movement of cargo, specially automobiles, by Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) ships and to meet the demand of the auto original equipment manufacture (OEM) and Ro-Ro vessels operators, Mumbai Port Trust has reduced vessel related charges by about 10 per cent for coastal vessels.
For passenger cars up to 4,000 mm length, the wharfage rate has been reduced by Rs 500 per unit. A Rs 1,500 reduction per unit has been put in place for passenger cars above 4,700 mm length, SUVs and MUVs among others.
The aforesaid reduction in wharfage and vessel related charges, which is about 50 per cent to 65 per cent, will be applicable for one year starting June 1, 2016.
The reduction in wharfage will encourage movement of domestic cars/ trucks from the manufacturing places such as Chennai among others to Mumbai, and similarly from Pune/ Nashik to southern and eastern parts of India. Currently, these movements take place by road. This will also reduce congestion on roads and would be not only a cheaper option but also environmentally preferred option as it reduces carbon foot print. This would also facilitate faster movement of vehicles meant for distribution and export.