National Waterways

More than 80 critical issues between the Centre, states and Union Territories were resolved during the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) that concluded in Goa on Friday. As per an official release, the two-day event saw the resolution of critical issues focused on port infrastructure modernisation, connectivity, statutory compliances, maritime tourism, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security. During the 20th MSDC, more than 100 issues from various states were deliberated and successfully resolved, it said. "Several new and emerging challenges were also addressed, including the establishment of places of refuge (PoR) for ships in distress, the development of radioactive detection equipment (RDE) infrastructure at ports to enhance security, and the facilitation of seafarers by recognising them as key essential workers, ensuring better working conditions and access to shore leave," the statement added. Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand

Out of these projects, 36 projects have been completed which cost Rs 32,000 crore, whereas, 77 projects worth Rs 91,000 crore are under different stages of execution and development

Shipping Ministry was being expanded and renamed as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

The govt last week approved an allocation of 2.5% of the CRF for national waterways

In phase I, eight waterways are being considered for development, said a press release

The consultants will also prepare detailed project report and tender documents for the 18 terminals

Environment friendly and cost effective mode of transportation will reduce the logistics costs, said Nitin Gadkari

In paving the way for turning 111 rivers across India into national waterways, the government has overlooked environmental issues that may crop up at a later stage

The government aims to garner Rs 1 lakh crore to fund projects for low-cost river transportation and seeks to develop national waterways

Union minister Nitin Gadkari also said that Indian ports would have profit to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore this fiscal