India to invest $82 bn in ports: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has identified more than 574 port projects at a cost of $82 billion or ₹6 lakh crore for implementation during 2015 to 2035.

The Prime Minister on Tuesday inaugurated ‘the second ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ through video conferencing. Minister of transport of Denmark Mr Benny Englebrecht, chief ministers of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya were also present at the occasion.

The PM said he is inviting the world to come to India and be a part of India’s growth trajectory. “India is very serious about growing in the maritime sector and emerging as a leading blue economy of the world. Through the focus areas of upgrading infrastructure, boosting reform journey, India aims to strengthen the vision of Aatamnirbhar Bharat,” he said.

“The ministry of port shipping and waterways has created a list of 400 investable projects. These projects have an investment potential of $31 billion or ₹2.25 lakh crore. This will further strengthen our commitment to the overall development of our maritime sector,” he said.

“The Maritime India Vision 2030 has been launched. It outlines the priorities of the government. The Sagar-manthan Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre has also been launched today. It is an information system for enhancing maritime safety, search and rescue capabilities, security and marine environment protection,” he added.

The capacity of major ports which was around 870 million tonnes per annum in 2014 has increased to around 1550 million tonnes per annum now, Modi said.

The PM asserted that: “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 said ports have reduced waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo.