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