India
plans to set up a consortium for operating global ports with equity
participation by public sector enterprises. According to a report, Bharat
Global Ltd will have Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation, Sagarmala
Development Company and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) as stakeholders. Bharat Container Shipping Line will be
launched as a vertical within SCI to vet global trade disruptions.
The consortium will replicate
the Chabahar port model in other strategic locations, the report said. After signing a 10-year
bilateral pact to operate Chabahar port in Iran, India is exploring
opportunities to enhance maritime presence and trade connectivity. India Ports
Global Ltd (IPGL) will invest approximately $120 million in Chabahar port.
India
has also offered an INR credit window equivalent to $250 million for mutually
identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure. India Ports Global is a joint venture of
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority.
A global container shortage that followed
the covid outbreak-led trade disruptions prompted the setting up of Bharat
Container Shipping Line. Bharat Container Shipping Line will also boost the
prospects of SCI, which has largely focused on shorter distances and coastal
trade, the report said.