PANJIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday disclosed that steps are being taken to introduce urban water transport systems in key States Gujarat and Goa and cities such as Kochi and Mumbai.
While inaugurating the Maritime India Summit 2021 via video conferencing, the Prime Minister explained about how the Centre is aiming at domestic and international cruise terminal development at selected ports through infrastructure development and enhancement by 2023.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
He also pointed out that India has as many as 189 lighthouses across its vast coastline.
“We have drawn up a programme for developing tourism in the land next to 78 lighthouses. The key objective of this initiative is to enhance development of the existing light-houses and its surrounding areas into unique maritime tourism landmarks,” said Modi.
The PM further stated that the government is in the process of installing solar and wind-based power systems at all the major ports across the country and aims to increase usage of renewable energy to more than 60 per cent of total energy by 2030 in three phases across Indian ports.
“New maritime infrastructure is a great means to boost ‘Ease of Living. Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax projects are also significant elements of our vision for harnessing our rivers. Waterdromes at 16 locations are being developed to enable sea-plane operations. River cruise terminal infrastructure and jetties are being developed on 5 national waterways,” the PM added.
He also invited the world to come to India and be a part of India’s growth trajectory in the maritime sector and added that the country is emerging as a leading Blue Economy of the world.
“Through the focus areas of upgradation of infrastructure, boosting reform journey, India aims to strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
He further informed that capacity of major ports have increased from 870 million tonnes in 2014 to 1,550 million tonnes now.
The PM added, “Ours is a government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost effective and environment friendly ways of transporting freight. We aim to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.”
He also pointed out that the government has recently widened the ambit of the maritime sector by renaming the Ministry of Shipping as Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways so that work happens in a holistic manner.
He said the Ministry has created a list of 400 investable projects, which have an investment potential of $ 31 billion or Rs 2.25 lakh crore. Talking about the Maritime India Vision 2030, The Prime Minister said it outlines the priorities of the government.
“The Sagarmala Project for promoting port-led development was announced by the government in 2016. As part of the programme, more than 574 projects at a cost of 82 billion US Dollars or Rs 6 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015 to 2035,” he added.
The PM expressed the desire to share India’s best practices with the world and added that India plans to enhance investment in infrastructure and facilitate mutual agreements by 2026.
He concluded with exhortation to the global investors, “India’s long coastline awaits you. India’s hardworking people await you. Invest in our ports. Invest in our people. Let India be your preferred trade destination. Let Indian ports be your port of call for trade and commerce.”
