Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has said that India will be among the top 10 maritime nations of the world by 2047. He said the country is rapidly multiplying its cargo handling capacity in ports and creating a robust ship-building and repairs ecosystem. Mr Sonowal was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kamarajar Port Trust in Chennai yesterday. The minister also laid the foundation stone for establishing capital dredging and integrated Command and Control centre at the Kamarajar port at a cost of 545 crore rupees.
He said the port marked a significant step in decongesting Chennai Port by fostering efficient coal handling with possibilities of future expansion. Mr Sonowal said that construction of IOCL Jetty of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) will further enhance its capacity. He said, the setting up of 1 MLD Seawater desalination plant at the port at a coast of 32 crore rupees will serve to meet not only the Port’s need but also the need of the coastal community for drinking and other domestic purposes.
The minister said, the timely implementation of infrastructural projects taken up by the Shipping Ministry has led to faster completion of flagship programmes. He said quality has also been a focus area when development projects are rolled out. Mr. Sonowal also attended the 83rd convocation of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Madras.
