Mumbai’s shipping authority is talks with operators to start a direct Mumbai-Goa passenger ship service.
Two months ago the Maharashtra Maritime Board posted a notice calling for ‘expressions of interest’ to start the service and is discussing options with four potential operators.
Parag Jain Nainuttia, CEO of MMB would not reveal the identity of the companies, but said one is from Delhi and the remaining three are Mumbai-based.
Each must submit detailed project reports before approval will be granted.
Nainuttia said ships would have a minimum capacity of 150, and one company has proposed to use a 250-capacity ship for the service.
The absence of a dedicated cruise terminal in Goa has been the main reason for a 50% fall in cruise traffic last year.
The Mormugao Port Trust has constructed a dedicated jetty for large cruise ships but construction of a terminal building is still ongoing.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, according to Goa’s tourism minister Dilip Parulekar.
By TravelMole Asia
