Linking of Major Ports As part of the port connectivity objective of the Sagarmala Programme, the Government aims to enhance the connectivity of the major ports in the country to the hinterland. As part of the National Perspective Plan (NPP), prepared under the SagarmalaProgramme, more than 80 port connectivity projects have been proposed at an estimated investment of more than Rs. 2 Lakh Crore. This includes last mile road and rail-connectivity infrastructure to the ports, freight expressways, new pipelines for transporting crude and petroleum products, development of prioritized inland waterways and new multi-modal logistics hubs. Logistics cost reduction opportunity of Rs. 35,000-40,000 Crore per annum have been identified and includes increasing the share of coastal shipping and inland waterways in the modal mix. The enhancement of connectivity to major ports will not affect the interest of employees of the ports, hence step to safeguard their interest does not arise. This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
