The CPI (M)-led LDF government in Kerala is mulling on launching a passenger ship service between the state and Gulf countries to beat the exorbitant air charges collected by the airlines. The move is also aimed at providing affordable travel experiences to Malayali expatriates in the Middle East.
According to PTI, Kerala Port Minister Ahammad Devarkovil said, "A high-level meeting in Kerala decided to devise a plan to start a passenger ship service between Kerala and Gulf. Airline companies charge exorbitant money from ordinary expatriates for their travel during festive seasons."
They are forced to set aside the lion’s share of their meager savings for travel, Devarkovil said, as per the report.
The high-level meeting was organised by the Malabar Development Council and the Kerala Maritime Board.
The government is also planning on launching the shipping service in association with the Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA). NORKA is the official body of the diaspora of Kerala ethnicity.
In a Facebook post, the Minister said, “The government has allocated Rs 15 crore in this year's budget to solve the travel problems of expatriates. The plan is to start a shipping service using this too.”
“It is planned to start online registration in cooperation with NORKA and the expatriate organization to locate travelers after deciding the travel schedule and rates,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Kerala Maritime Board Chairman N S Pillai, CEO Salim Kumar, NORKA General Manager Ajith Kolassery, MDC President C E Chakunni, office bearers M K Ayyappan, Zubair, and others.
In March, Kerala CM Pinarayi wrote to PM Modi on Thursday over exorbitant airfares for travel from Gulf countries to southern states amid increasing airfares to Gulf countries, especially during vacations. He also sought approval for flights to be operated by GoK at reasonable rates for low-income emigrants during upcoming vacations.