New Delhi: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has said building upon the success of the Sagarmala Programme, Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways has formulated a plan under the Sagarmala Programme for carrying out “Holistic Development of Coastal Districts”. Briefing the media after the meeting of the National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) he said after multiple consultations with stakeholders, the Ministry has identified a total of 567 projects under convergence mode with an estimated cost of Rs. 58,700 Crore.
He said while Sagarmala is Port-led and focusses on the logistic cost reduction and EXIM competitiveness, Holistic Development of Coastal Districts aims to bridge the gaps in infrastructure at the coastal areas and improve economic opportunity. The minister said with addition of projects identified in Holistic Development of Coastal Districts and new project proposals received under Sagarmala, total number of projects stands at 1537 worth Rs. 6.5 lakh crore.
Sonowal said the committee reviewed the progress of the Sagarmala program and deliberated on various agendas. He said there are 802 projects worth Rs. 5.5 lakh Crore under the Sagarmala program targeted to be executed by 2035. Out of which, 202 projects worth Rs. 99,281 Crore have been completed. He said a total of 29 projects worth Rs. 45,000 Crore have been successfully implemented under PPP model, thus, reducing the financial burden on the exchequer.
Additional 32 PPP projects worth Rs. 51,000 Crore are currently being implemented. Further, there are more than 200 projects worth Rs. 2.12 lakh Crore under construction and expected to be completed in 2 years’ time, he added.
Government has taken several modernization, mechanization and digital transformation measures at ports to reduce cost and time in international trade like Direct Port Delivery, Direct Port Entry, installation of container scanners and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) system, Port Community System (PCS1x). Further, PCS1x is being upgraded to NLP-MARINE to provide end-to-end trade facilitation for the shipping ecosystem.
Ministry is also developing two mega cruise terminal projects through Sagarmala Scheme at Mumbai and Mormugao Port. Upgrading and modernization of International Cruise Terminal at Mumbai worth Rs. 303 crore is under construction, project has registered progress more than 70%. Ministry is also supporting development of international and domestic cruise terminal and allied facilities at Mormugao Port.
Ministry is providing big push to RORO and Passenger transportation through waterways as it is environment friendly solution to mobility and resulting in significant savings of cost and time. ROPAX facilities are being developed by State or Central authorities and vessel deployment and services are carried out majorly by private players. It is observed that maintenance cost of the dredging is high compared to the revenue coming to authority. A detailed study is planned to be conducted for comprehensive assessment in all coastal states / UTs. Develop new business models for O&M on long-term contract while promoting use of electric ferries for Urban Water Transport. Separate scheme will be prepared in consultation with stakeholders for providing suitable financial assistance during operational phase
The State ministers also explained their association with Sagarmala Projects and committed to conduct a detailed master plan of their Ports infrastructure and work out additional project proposals for Sagarmala funding. (Source: PSU Connect)
