Operational Routes of Merchant and Fishing Vessels Separated to Ensure Safer Navigation

This was a long-pending demand.
The Union Minister for State for Shipping (Independent Charge), Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the decision reflected the Central Govt.?s commitment to ensuring ease of navigation in Indian waters. ?It will also ensure improvement in avoidance of collision, ease in the flow of traffic along with the safety of life at sea and enhance protection of the marine environment. It is a very proactive and positive step by the Directorate General of Shipping, which will efficiently regulate shipping traffic in this region?, affirmed Mandaviya.

The Arabian Sea around the southwest coast of India is a busy sea route, with a substantial number of merchant ships passing through the area, along with a large number of fishing vessels operating in the area. This sometimes leads to accidents, resulting in damage to property, environmental pollution and, in several instances, loss of lives as well.

The coordinates of the routing system in the southwest of Indian waters was notified by the Directorate General of Shipping. The new routes come into force with effect from August 1, 2020.