BHUBANESWAR: The Centre is planning to set up low-cost non-major ports, along with improving the operational capacity of major ports in the state, under the Sagarmala Project. It has earmarked Rs 692 crore for 2015-16 under the project, aiming for a substantial increase in coastal shipping in the country by 2020, official sources said.
“Since Paradip is the second largest port in the country in terms of cargo handling, the project will be very helpful in improving economic activities around it. A slew of steps will be undertaken to promote coastal shipping and tap global environment funding for creating additional capacities in the sector,” said chairman of Paradip Port M T Krishna Babu. The project envisages developing three to four mega ports in the state with a world-class trans-shipment port.
All stakeholders like central and state governments and infrastructure agencies like NHAI, railways, non-major Ports and EXIM Industries discussed different aspects of the project at a meeting here on Wednesday.
Additional secretary, ministry of shipping, Alok Srivastava said the Sagarmala Project will help improve operational efficiency of the ports. “These will be developed into world-class ports with multi-modal logistic solutions for cost-effective movement of cargo and other initiatives like harvesting inland and costal shipping potentials, developing port-based industrial activities and improving living standards of the people in costal zones,” he added.
The sources said there was a need to improve road and railway connectivity in Odisha for efficient functioning of the Paradip Port. “Port is an integral part of the logistic chain for industrial and economic development of the state. All major and minor ports, railways, inland waterways, mining and industrial establishments must operate in synergy to keep up the higher economic growth. An industrial corridor from Paradip to Kalinga Nagar will be developed,” chief secretary G C Pati said.
