Government identifies 150 critical infrastructure projects under Sagarmala

NEW DELHI: Government has identified as many as 150 critical projects to augment infrastructure in coastal areas under its ambitious Sagarmala project.

"We have reviewed the National Perspective Plan (NPP) of Sagarmala and have identified over 150 critical infrastructure projects," Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

The minister had recently said that about Rs 70,000 crore have been lined up for various projects under Sagarmala and would be spent on development of major ports which have received 104 suggestions from international consultants to increase efficiency.

As many as 13 states and union territories are involved in Sagarmala initiative which will be implemented across India's 7,500 km coastline.

Gadkari said the National Perspective Plan will be placed in front of the Sagarmala apex committee shortly for its approval.

The prime objective of the Sagarmala project is to promote port-led direct and indirect development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

The project aims at providing an institutional framework for ensuring integrated development, including modernisation and setting up of new ports, and efficient evacuation to and from hinterland.

"Ports play a pivotal role in boosting the country's economic growth. Logistics cost has to be reduced. Our logistics cost is thrice than China's. We are not able to compete with global markets.

"...ports will play huge role in double digit GDP target and port, shipping and highways sector will very soon add 2 per cent to the country's GDP," he had said chairing the Sagarmala apex committee meeting recently.

The government has discussed potential for developing a world-class trans-shipment port in India and promoting the usage of coastal shipping and inland waterways for transporting key commodities like coal, iron ore, foodgrains and petroleum products recently.

Last year the Cabinet had given 'in-principle' nod to the project, aimed at port-led development in coastal states.