Vision of Sagarmala Programme is to reduce logistics cost : Mansukh Mandaviya

NEW DELHI: The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ports, Shipping and Inland Waterways, Government of India, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently stressed on speeding up the various projects under the Sagarmala programme.

He stated that the vision of the programme is to reduce logistical costs and time for the movement of export-import and domestic cargo. “The development of industrial capacities near the coast is a step in this direction. Port development, port-led industrialisation, port connectivity and port community development are the four pillars we are working on. The various projects under the ambitious Sagarmala Programme—26 of them being undertaken on a priority basis—aim to accelerate port-led infrastructure development.”

“These could create one crore new jobs, including 40 lakh direct ones, in the next 10 years,” he said.

He further added that the government is keen on developing the National Port Grid, a programme that bolsters structured growth and sustained development of ports. “It would be a game-changer, as it would cut down logistical costs of India’s exports. The National Port Grid would reduce costs by encompassing various smaller ports like fisheries, agriculture and mineral ports. It will also bring in more investments. There are 505 ongoing projects on port modernisation, port connectivity, port-led industrialisation and coastal community development, at a total cost of Rs 3,56,648 crore,” he said.