Why India Avoids Sea Freight for Cargo Journey Between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, and West Bengal

India, with its vast coastline stretching over 7,500 km and rich maritime history, has the potential to utilize sea freight for cargo transportation. However, despite the advantages, sea transport is not widely used for the journey between states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala to Gujarat and West Bengal. This article explores the reasons behind this preference and the potential future implications.

The Potential of Sea Transport

The India government, under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has promoted the use of both river and sea transport. While river transport has seen significant development, the use of sea freight for these journeys has largely been overlooked. Several factors contribute to this preference for other modes of transport.

Current Challenges

1. Lack of Infrastructure

One of the primary reasons for the limited use of sea transport is the current lack of adequate infrastructure. Ports are often underdeveloped, with outdated facilities and limited capacity. This infrastructure gap makes it difficult and expensive to move cargo by sea, compared to road and rail, which have more established networks.

2. High Costs

Despite the potential cost savings in terms of fuel consumption and reduced toll taxes, the initial investment required for setting up and maintaining a robust sea transport network is substantial. Additionally, the logistics involved in coordinating routes, handling, and documentation for sea freight are more complex, leading to higher overall costs.

3. Environmental and Safety Concerns

While sea transport can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, there are significant environmental concerns regarding accidents and spills. Additionally, ensuring the safety of crew and cargo is a top priority, making the safety protocols and regulations stringent, which can add to the operational costs.

The Government's Efforts

The government's initiative to promote sea transport has been predominantly focused on fostering the use of coastal shipping and improving port facilities. For instance, the recent facilitation of foreign vessels to ship Hyundai cars from one port in Kochi to another demonstrates the government's willingness to explore and implement innovative solutions. This move not only reduces the hassle for importers but also has the potential to reduce transportation costs and emissions.

FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

With continuous improvements in infrastructure, logistics, and technology, sea transport has the potential to play a more significant role in India's logistics landscape. The integration of sea transport with existing rail and road networks could create a more efficient and cost-effective system. Moreover, as the environmental and economic benefits become more apparent, there is a growing movement to support and incentivize the adoption of sea transport.

Conclusion

The current reluctance to use sea freight for journeys between states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, and West Bengal is largely due to the existing limitations in infrastructure and operational costs. However, with ongoing efforts to improve port facilities, logistics, and environmental regulations, sea transport is poised to become a more viable and advantageous option in the future. The benefits, including reduced carbon footprints and increased efficiency, are becoming increasingly compelling, prompting a gradual shift towards this mode of transportation.