The Puducherry government has requested the Centre to undertake a feasibility study for the cruise market in Puducherry under the Cruise Bharat Mission.

In a letter to Union Minister of Sports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister for Public Works and Ports, Malladi Krishna Rao, said the Puducherry government has proposed a Cruise Terminal under the World Bank funded SHORE (Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy) programme.

“Therefore, I request the Ministry to undertake a cruise market assessment and an economic feasibility assessment of Puducherry under the Cruise Bharat Mission. We also request the Ministry to sanction ₹100 crore for developing cruise tourism and water sports activities across all four regions of the Union Territory,” the letter said.

The Port department would submit an updated Detailed Project Report for construction of the Container Terminal-11 at the New Port, alternate road connectivity to the New Port, dredging from Fishing Harbour end to Ariyankuppam bridge and removal of existing submarine tunnel to enable the port to receive cargo vessels of 6 metre draft as against the existing 3.5 metre draft vessels. 

“We request the Centre to sanction funds for these projects after the updated DPR was submitted under Sagarmala 2.0. The works will enable Puducherry Port to handle larger vessels, strengthen hinterland connectivity, enhance coastal cargo and cruise traffic and generate employment for coastal communities,” Mr. Malladi said in the letter.

The PWD Minister’s office said the letter was personally handed over to the Union Minister when Mr. Malladi attended the 21st Maritime State Development Council meeting held in Mumbai recently.