Sagarmala identifies 415 projects

The #Sagarmala Programme has identified 415 port and coastal projects, requiring an estimated investment of Rs.8 Lac Crore, for implementation between 2015-2035.

The projects are across port modernization and new port development, port connectivity enhancement, port-linked industrialization and coastal community development for phase wise implementation, #Minister of State for Shipping, #Pon Radhakrishnan said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 9 March 2017.

As per the approved implementation plan of Sagarmala Programme, these projects are to be taken up by the relevant Central Ministries/Agencies and State Governments preferably through private/PPP mode. The details are as below.

Six new port locations have been identified, namely – #Vadhavan, #Enayam, #Sagar Island, #Paradip Outer Harbour, #Sirkazhi and #Belekeri.

Increasing the share of coastal shipping and inland navigation in the transport modal mix is one of the key objectives of the Sagarmala Programme.

In order to equip ports for movement of coastal cargo, the scope of coastal berth scheme has been expanded and merged with Sagarmala Programme.

Under the scheme, the financial assistance of 50% of project cost is provided to Major Ports/State Governments for construction of Coastal Berths, Breakwater, mechanization of coastal berths and capital dredging.

The scheme has released Rs.152 Crore for 16 projects.

In addition, Cabotage has been relaxed for a period of 5 years for specialized vessels like RO-RO, RO-PAX etc.

To augment trans-shipment capacity in the country, #Vizhinjam (Kerala) and #Enayam (Tamil Nadu) are being developed as trans-shipment ports.

Vizhinjam is being developed as trans-shipment hub under PPP mode by Government of Kerala with Viability Gap Funding from Government of India. In principle-approval has been obtained for setting up a Major Port at Enayam and its DPR is under preparation. fii-news.com