New Delhi: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday unveiled a slew of initiatives to ramp up capacity at Kandla port – one of India’s major ports in Gujarat.
With an estimated investment of ₹280 crores, the initiatives will boost capacity at the Kandla port of Deendayal Port Authority.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, our country is moving ahead every day towards achieving the ultimate goal of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The role of maritime trade is of paramount importance in this regard. We are building capacity of our ports to propel opportunities of Blue Economy to power the growth of India. As Modi ji has laid emphasis on the growth of an environment friendly, economical, smooth mode of transport, the role of maritime transport is crucial in the transformation of India to become a major player in international trade & commerce. I am extremely blessed to unveil these major initiatives to ramp up capacity at the Kandla Port. This will go a long way to realise one of the many milestones to become Atmanirbhar at the end of this Amrit Kaal.”
The Union Minister inaugurated the Oil Jetty No. 7 at Old Kandla which was built with an investment of ₹ 73.92 crores. This jetty, with a capacity of 2 MMTPA, will enhance the liquid handling capacity of mainly edible oil to satiate the projected requirements. With an augmented capacity to handle cargo, it will bring down the waiting time (pre-berthing detention time) of vessels and other related assets.
Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The potential of blue economy has many important benefits, best of which is sustainable use of marine resources for an environment friendly economic growth. With a variety of sectors from tourism to energy, blue biotech to fisheries or aquaculture, the potential of economic growth in blue economy is particularly interesting. We believe that objectives set by the visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, blue economy is one of the major future drivers of growth of India.”
Sonowal also laid down foundation stones for development of Back Up Area of Oil Jetty No 8 to 10 – with an estimated investment of ₹ 98.41 crores; development of four lane Road common Corridor From LC-236 B to 16th Cargo Berth along Railway Line – with an estimated investment cost of ₹ 67 crores as well as construction of Dome Shaped Storage Shed inside CJ area Phase II – with an estimated investment cost of ₹39.66 crores.