Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 October 2024
A crucial meeting was held on 17th October 2024, at the Port Management Board’s (PMB) Conference Hall, chaired by Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, Secretary (Shipping), to discuss key issues faced by port users in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The meeting brought together stakeholders, including private players, the A&N Ship Owners Association, the Andaman and Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and officials from PMB, DSS, and ALHW.
The primary focus of the meeting was on addressing the challenges related to infrastructure, equipment, and the services being provided by the A&N Administration. During the discussions, Secretary (Shipping) Purva Garg reviewed the concerns raised by port users and stakeholders. She assured that all pending infrastructure projects across various ports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in progress and will be expedited to meet the needs of the users.
In addition, issues surrounding the quality and availability of services at the ports were being taken up by the A&N Administration, with a commitment to resolving them swiftly. The Secretary emphasized the importance of enhancing efficiency by introducing the computerisation of processes, such as the issuance of passes and the collection of port and vessel-related charges, aiming to improve the overall ease of doing business.
The maintenance of cargo-handling equipment and the provision of dry dock facilities were also key points of discussion. Secretary Garg assured stakeholders that these matters would be reviewed regularly, and necessary follow-ups would be conducted to ensure timely resolution of all concerns raised by port users.
Looking ahead, it was decided that Port Users Meetings will now be held regularly in the third week of every month. This initiative is expected to create a more structured dialogue between stakeholders and the administration, ensuring a continuous improvement in port-related operations and services.