Mon Mar 10 13:18:42 UTC 2025: ## Visakhapatnam MP Backs Maritime Reforms, Highlights Food Safety Concerns

**VISAKHAPATNAM, March 10, 2025** – Member of Parliament M. Sribharat from Visakhapatnam today voiced strong support for India’s maritime trade reforms and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024. Speaking in Parliament, he emphasized the bill’s importance in adapting to the evolving global trade landscape and highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the maritime sector. He cited achievements such as doubled cargo handling capacity at major ports and reduced turnaround times.

However, Sribharat also raised concerns about high freight costs impacting trade competitiveness, urging the government to reduce shipping expenses. He noted that 95% of India’s international cargo is transported on foreign vessels, advocating for the development of domestic shipbuilding clusters to build larger “mother ships” and decrease reliance on foreign carriers. He pointed to depth limitations at Indian ports (14-16 meters) as a barrier to accommodating mega-vessels requiring an 18-meter draft, suggesting a dredging subsidy for major ports, including Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), to attract larger vessels and foster trans-shipment hubs.

Further, Sribharat highlighted the need for an e-visa facility at VPT, currently lacking despite its presence at other major ports. He also emphasized the importance of cruise tourism, referencing the ₹100 crore investment in Vizag’s cruise terminal. He praised Andhra Pradesh’s maritime policy and its 975 km coastline with 14 ports, emphasizing the state’s potential for growth in global maritime trade.

Separately, Sribharat expressed serious concerns about widespread food adulteration, citing FSSAI statistics indicating that nearly 20% of food samples tested are adulterated. He attributed this to a weak regulatory framework, inadequate penalties, and a shortage of food testing laboratories. He proposed a multi-pronged solution including strengthening regulations, stricter penalties, GST benefits for companies maintaining high food safety standards, and a significant increase in the number of food testing labs (currently 242), equipped with modern technology.

Read More