The shipping ministry today said it might have to seek approval of the home ministry to start ferry services from Maldives and Singapore, as the proposed venture to boost tourism included going through the coasts of Pakistan.
“The only problem is that the route would include touching the coastline of Pakistan, therefore approval from the home ministry is also required,” a shipping ministry official said.
Maldives sent a proposal for commencing this service to the external affairs ministry during the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation meeting this year. The suggestion was then forwarded to the shipping ministry. The ministry has also received a similar offer from Singapore.
“Interest has been received from Maldives and Singapore,” the official said, adding Singapore offered to commence a ferry service to Kolkata.
