Kochi Water Metro model to be adopted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati and Goa
A high-level meeting has called for preparation of state-specific Maritime and Waterways Transport Master Plans, formulation of Maritime Sector Policies, Green Initiatives, Waterways Development, Cruise Tourism, Urban Water Transportation and the Development of Lighthouses.
The agenda also included a review of the Sagarmala Programme sagarmala , the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, and opportunities in Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax, Ferry, Urban Water Transportation.
The State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC) meeting was chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) shipmin .
The meeting held detailed discussions on the development of customized master plans for each state to address unique challenges and opportunities in the maritime and waterways transport sector; Formulation and implementation of comprehensive policies to promote growth and sustainability in the maritime sector; Exploration of opportunities to boost tourism and enhance urban water transport systems and plans to develop lighthouses as tourist attractions and to improve their navigational efficiency globaltenders .
The Kochi Water Metro model meed tenders could be adopted in various other states, such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati and Goa, said Ramachandran, Secretary.
He highlighted the significance of the Sagarmala Programme and the NMHC at Lothal in enhancing India’s maritime heritage and infrastructure https://ted.europa.eu/en/ .
“The commitment and proactive steps taken by the states are commendable. MoPSWs goal is to establish SMWTCs in all 30 states and UTs, ensuring that every region benefits from the transformative potential of maritime and waterways transport conexpoconagg ,” he remarked.
The meeting pledged to foster collaborative solutions to enhance maritime and waterways transport in India smw .
The MoPSW reaffirmed its support for states in addressing issues and implementing initiatives that align with national maritime objectives inmex smm .
The Ministry stressed its commitment to ensuring necessary funds and comprehensive support for planning and development of various transformative projects in each State and UT.
The Ministry also underlined its goal to foster sustainable growth and development in the maritime sector.
Representatives from various states and UTs comprehensively participated in the discussions during the meeting and provided their valuable inputs for improving the overall maritime ecosystem in the country.
Assam Govt’s Transport Secretary Adil Khan emphasized his adminstration’s commitment to enhancing cargo transportation for the betterment of the state.
Octavio Antony Rodrigues, Captain of Ports, Goa ports.goa , recommended the adoption of hydrogen cell technology and retrofitting initiatives under the Harit Nauka Scheme.
Dr. Manik Gursal, CEO of the Maharashtra Maritime Board mmb.mahaonline, highlighted the importance of GST relaxation and proposed trainings and development of curriculum under the Inland Vessel Act.
Recognizing the need for a unified approach to manage and integrate the waterways transportation sector, MoPSW has established SMWTCs to coordinate various initiatives and schemes within each state.
These committees will be pivotal in consolidating efforts and providing focused leadership in the maritime and waterways sector.
Each SMWTC will be headed by the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary and include representatives from major ports, maritime boards, state PWD, Inland Waterways, Department of Tourism, Department of Fisheries, Railways, NHAI, Customs, etc.
Currently, SMWTCs have been constituted in 13 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep, with plans to establish them in all 30 coastal and waterways states and UTs of India.
Formulated in various states via video conferencing, the meeting brought together senior officials from about 30 States and Union Territories to ensure comprehensive development of maritime and waterways transport across India. Fiinews.com
