A private barge has been denied permission to continue its journey from Pamban as it did not possessed route certificate to carry out maritime journey.
The barge, which was on its way to Lakshadweep in west coast from Chennai in east coast, has been retained by the Pamban port authorities at Pamban since Sunday. When the crew sought permission to pass through the Pamban pass by opening the Pamban bridge, the port authorities enquired whether they had got the clearance of the Indian Registrar of Shipping at Chennai to carry out maritime journey. It came to the notice of the authorities that they had not got the mandatory clearance.
The port officials said the barge crew members were directed not to continue the journey until they got permission from the IRS office.
The Pamban bridge would be opened only after receiving the clearance certificate.