Sagar Mala project to transform logistic sector: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's ambitious Sagar Mala project would transform the logistic sector and change the lives of those living along the 7,500 km coastline in the country.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's memorial here and launching a slew of projects, Modi said the government was working to bring down input cost of logistics for import, export and trade through the project.

"The 7,500 km long coastline has a potential of fetching huge investment. Keeping that in mind, we are implementing the Sagar Mala project with an objective to exploit the coastline to benefit logistic transport sector," he said. 

The government had plans to bring a big change in the lives of those living along the coastline, Modi added.

Modi also flagged off the Rameswaram-Ayodhya 'Shraddha Sethu' Express train connecting Rameswaram with Ayodhya, both considered sacred by Hindus, inaugurated a road from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi, the point from where one can the mythological 'Ram Setu', and gave away trawlers to fishermen for deep sea fishing.

Talking about the significance of Rameswaram, Modi said the sacred land gave to the country Abdul Kalam, who has been a source of inspiration for Indians, especially the youth.

"The APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial was built in less than a year and the innovation and imagination used in it is coherent with his life, work and ideals," he said. 

"It could be built speedily because of contribution of the artists, architects, workers from across the country. The unique point was that workers put in extra time and did not claim money for that. 

"Our youth is the most inspired section inspired by Abdul Kalam. Today's youth wants to get ahead on its own. It wants to generate employment for others. The central government has started schemes like Startup India, Standup India to make their truth come true."

Modi added that the government had started setting up skill development centres in all districts and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana to address the financial problems youths faced. 

He urged tour operators, tourists and youths to visit the memorial while in Rameswaram.

Modi also said that Kalam made genuine efforts all through his life to fulfill his dream of a developed India. 

"He always inspired 125 crore citizens of India to achieve this target. This inspiration will help us in achieving our target of a New India by 2022 when India completes 75 years of her independence." 

Referring to the squirrel of Ramayana which helped lord Rama to build a sea-bridge Ramsetu, Modi said: "If everyone take a pledge like the squirrel of Ramayana, our country will progress to a great extent." 

The Prime Minister told the gathering that the government had started giving away loans, subsidies and grants to fishermen as a part of "Blue Revolution" to solve problems faced by them. 

Modi also spoke about schemes the Centre was implementing such as AMRUT Mission to develop 10 cities in Tamil Nadu as Smart Cities, extension of Chennai Metro and promotoon of Self Help Groups.