Suez Canal blocked: 200 ships stuck, number may go up to 350; India works out 4-point plan

To deal with the blockage of the Suez Canal, the Centre has chalked out a four-point plan. There are 200 vessels stuck in the north and south side of the canal, the number is likely to go up to 350 in next few days.

The Suez Canal blockage since March 23 is affecting India's shipping lines. As there are 200 vessels stuck in the north and south side of the canal, the number at the current rate is likely to go up to 350 in the next few days. To deal with the situation, the Centre has chalked out a four-point plan. The government is prioritising the vessels which are carrying perishables and considering other measures including advising ships to re-route via Cape of Good Hope. This plan was chalked out in a meeting convened by the logistics division, department of commerce & Shipping and Waterways. Egypt's Suez Canal, the 193 km artificial sea-level waterway, has been closed since March 23. It connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and provides the shortest and fastest sea link between Asia and Europe.