The Shipping Ministry has formed an inter ministerial steering committee with the Secretary (Shipping) as chairman to address issues relating to the development of cruise shipping in the country.

The Government approved the Cruise Shipping Policy in June 2008. Mr GK Vasan minister of shipping in the Rajya Sabha said that with the implementation of this policy, growth in diverse sectors will take place, earning foreign exchange and generating employment.

The Government has a scheme for Large Revenue Generating Projects, to remove shortcomings of budgetary resources, with regard to large investments for tourism infrastructure.

This scheme envisages assisting the private sector, corporate and institutional resources as well as improving techno-managerial efficiencies for development of tourism infrastructure, including cruise shipping.

According to an official release the subsidy under the scheme has a cap of INR 50 crore, subject to a maximum of 25% of the total project cost or 50% of the equity contribution of the promoter, whichever is lower.

(Sourced from Business Line)