Two seaports, one in Gujarat and the other in Kerala, have been designated by the government as the authorised immigration check posts for entry and exit from India for international ships and cruises.
The decision was aimed at boosting tourism in the two coastal states where cruise liners often come calling along with international tourists, a home ministry official said.
The Mundra seaport in Gujarat and the Vizhinjam seaport in Kerala have been declared as authorised immigration check posts for entry and exit from India for international ships and cruise, the official told PTI.
The Mundra port is a deep draft, all-weather port and it is now the largest commercial facility in the country.
Strategically situated on international maritime routes, the Mundra port on the Gulf of Kutch offers multiple benefits for global trade. The Gulf acts as a natural shelter for the port, facilitating 24x7 safe berthing, un-berthing and vessel operations.
Compared to other ports on the west coast, the Mundra port enjoys logistical advantage in reaching the North-West hinterland of India.
Vizhinjam is a deep-water multipurpose seaport located by the Arabian sea at Thiruvananthapuram.
The port is being currently developed in landlord model with a public private partnership component on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis.
The Union home ministry also appointed the Superintendent of Police of Kutch district as the "civil authority" for the jurisdiction of the immigration check post at Mundra port with effect from November 15, an official notification said.
The ministry also appointed the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Thiruvananthapuram as the "civil authority" for Vizhinjam seaport with effect from November 20, another notification said.
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