India's Shipping Sector to Boost Economy of Coastal States
The last two years have marked a new high for the Indian Maritime sector, including the Ports as the Ministry of Shipping is keen to develop the Indian Ports to international standards both in terms of efficiency and infrastructure.
Rajive Kumar, the Secretary of Ministry of Shipping, said that “The Maritime India Summit 2016” - first global investment meet conducted by the Ministry- saw very enthusiastic participation from more than 40 countries.
141 business agreements worth $ 12 billion (Rs. 82,905/- crores) were concluded during the Summit. He informed that the Port sector achieved the distinction of handling more than 1 billion tonnes of cargo throughput in 2015-16. The 12 Major Ports have increased their Operating Profits by nearly Rs. 676 crores as compared to the previous year.
International consultants have given 116 initiatives out of which 50 have been implemented. A number of new Ports are being developed by the Ministry of Shipping as well as the State Governments. Sagar Island, Enayam, Vadhavan in Maharashtra and a satellite Port at Paradip, Vizhinjam, Cuddalore.
For the first time, the Ministry is developing port facilities outside the country at Chabahar in Iran. Additionally all major ports are installing solar or wind-based power system to promote use of renewable energy.
Rajive Kumar said that to promote Ease of Doing Business, RFID systems are being installed to automate gate operations in all major ports. All container ports are fully equipped to provide Direct Port Delivery which will reduce the Container Dwell time for the trade.
The Shipping Secretary elaborated on how the Government plans to increase the share of Inland Waterway and Coastal Shipping in cargo movement. In addition to the existing 5 inland waterways, 106more waterways have been notified as National Waterways.