Minister of State Independent-Charge for Coal, Power and New & Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal said here on Friday that the Government was looking at massive port development aimed at enhancing ship movement, cargo transportation and tourism, while the inland waters sector will soon undergo a paradigm shift and turn-around the Indian maritime sector.
“India is ready to take the first step towards a giant leap in maritime sector. It will ensure high speed of transportation on a very large scale and skill development at the same time. Earlier there were only four national waterways, those were underutilised. We have increased (identified new waterways) them to 106,” Goyal said, while delivering the keynote address on Indian Water Transportation and Coastal Shipping at the summit.
“Operation cost decides the fate of any project. Considering this aspect, the government has carefully worked out a cost-effective model to help shipping and inland waterways. The most significant advantage of waterways is that they are eco-friendly. This will help reducing carbon footprint of the country,” Goyal said.