Hike in service charges at Beypore port may trigger crisis, says MP

Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Hamdullah Sayeed has requested Minister for Ports V.N. Vasavan to reconsider the hike in service charges at the Beypore Port, which is largely relied on by vessels from Lakshadweep.

In a letter to the Minister, Mr. Sayeed said that the hike would adversely affect the vessels serving Lakshadweep, especially against the backdrop of the cancellation of passenger services from Beypore. While service charges for cranes that lift cargo into the ships have been increased three times, the entry fee for vessels into the port has been doubled. Charges have been hiked for tug services that pull ships to the port as well as for warehouses and drinking water.

Mr. Sayeed expressed apprehension that the hike would also affect his efforts to restore passenger services between Beypore and Lakshadweep.