No TAMP extension to non-major ports

The Planning Commission has turned down the Shipping Ministry's proposal to extend the ambit of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) to non-major ports under the proposed Port Regulatory Authority Bill, fearing it will hurt the performance of these ports.

Some states have opined that their State Maritime Boards would be enough to handle tariff-related issues at non-major ports. At present, only Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra have maritime boards. In particular, the Gujarat government has opposed the proposed Port Regulatory Authority Bill in its entirety, asserting that it would negatively impact the development of ports in the country.

TAMP was constituted in April 1997, to provide for an independent authority – the Port Regulatory Authority – to regulate all tariffs, both vessel-related and cargo-related, and rates for the lease of properties in respect of major port trusts and the private operators located therein.