Trade unions at Cochin Port Trust have reiterated their demand that container handling operations at Rajiv Gandhi terminal should be handled by the Port Trust even after the mainline operations are shifted to Vallarpadam, the Hindu reported.

They opined that any relaxation in Cabotage Law would be detrimental to the interests of the operations of Indian coastal vessels.

The Cochin Port Employees' Organisation, Cochin Port Employees' Sangh, Cochin Harbour Workers' Union, Cochin Port Thozhilali Union and Cochin Port Labour Union have, in a joint decision, urged the Shipping Ministry not to consider any relaxation or amendment to the Cabotage Law, facilitating freedom for foreign vessels to handle Indian coastal cargo.