The Government has finally started work on the Sagar Mala project planned to evolve a model of port-centric development by connecting the ports with the hinterland through roads and rail network.
last month, the Prime Minister’s Office had asked the Shipping Ministry to expedite work on the ambitious Sagar Mala project, aimed at developing the ports in the coastal States. The project will also develop the inland and coastal waterways as major transport routes.
The Ministry of Shipping being the nodal point for the project met 45 stakeholders from the Ministry of Railways, Surface Transport and Highways, DIPP, Planning Commission, Customs, major and minor ports, State Maritime Boards, ADB and trade and industry to ideate on ways to take the project forward.
“The aim is to achieve rapid capacity expansion and modernisation of ports along India’s east and west coasts. We want to develop India’s ports to levels comparable with the best global ports in terms of infrastructure, efficiency and quality of service,” said an official from the Ministry of Shipping.