Union Shipping Ministry plans to create cargo handling capacity of 280 million tonne (mn t) at major ports in the country mainly through the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode during 2013-14.
In 2012-13, the port awarded 32 port projects with a predictable investment of Rs 6,700 crore. Speaking at the 50th National Maritime Day celebrations, Union Shipping Minister GK Vasan informed that the government would keep the same tempo in the coming years.
Vasan said the slower growth in Indian tonnage compared to exim trade forced the country to depend on foreign flagships.
The minister called for the need to look seriously at multi-modal transport system and try to ease the over dependence on road and rail by promoting coastal shipping and inland waterway systems.
The National Maritime Day celebrations are aimed at creating awareness about the activities of the Indian shipping sector and its important economic role.
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