SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant assured that his government will extend all support to make Goa a multi-modal logistics hub and for development of the sector as according to him logistics is the key driver of economic growth as several kilometers are being added to the highway network daily.
Speaking at the CII Goa Conference & Expo on Logistics, he said that with the logistics market growing at a fast pace, Goa has become a key player, considering its strategic location with a large industrial base with export focus like pharma and other sectors. “Goa’s rivers must be better utilised for handling cargo,” Sawant said.
Addressing the gathering, former Union minister Suresh Prabhu said Goa situated at the heart of the country was poised to be a unique destination for a multi-modal logistics hub, particularly from the perspective of the overall logistics and due to its strategic location which makes it very effective for trading of various economic activities and the integration of various services, thus providing end to end solutions.
A common theme of speakers at the conference was that the Goa government should earmark land for logistics activities well connected to port, highways and rail networks.
Other speakers dwelt on ongoing developments related to logistics infrastructure in Goa, its greater role in growing domestic and international trade and inherent competitiveness, logistics ecosystem development – leveraging air cargo competitiveness, blue economy – finding a competitive advantage and exploring the full potential of multi-modal logistics through rail network in Goa.
Concerned about the cessation of the earlier container feeder service via Colombo and has been making representations to government authorities on the matter, CII Goa chairman Atul Jadhav appealed to private operators to restart feeder services to Goa.
Jadhav added that CII together with the government both at the Centre and State want to evolve a comprehensive plan in logistics across various modes and be a driving force and lead the way forward with expert advice from the stakeholders in areas of Inclusive growth – involving local communities and stakeholders without disturbing the sensitive ecology of the state.
CMA CGM commercial manager Capt Swaminathan Rajagopalan announced the commencement of a new container feeder service connecting Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) with Mundra with first call on August 26. MPT chairman Rajiv Jalota spoke of plans to purchase new mobile harbour cranes for efficient handling of container vessels, while CONCOR chief general manager Atul Rane said he hopes the Balli ICD once operational will offer 8-10 rakes per month to JNPT.
