Indian ports lag behind in terms of development

By agencies   |   Monday, 25 April 2005, 19:30 IST
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NEW DELHI:Indian ports lag behind in terms of development when compared to facilities provided by ports in China and South East Asian countries, Shipping, Transport and Highway minister T.R. Baalu said today. He said that despite providing an outlay of 45.31 billion under tenth plan for development of major ports and making efforts for steady improvement in their performance and efficiency, Indian ports lag behind in terms of globally comparable standards. “Development of major ports in India is an ongoing process, keeping in view the demands of maritime trade. Apart from an outlay of 45.31 billion under the tenth plan, 11 billion is also envisaged for their development, in the form of private sector investment,” the minister said. He charted out a detailed plan for development of ports. This includes deepening of channels to facilitate of berthing of large size vessels, construction of new berths, upgradation/expansion of existing berths, modernization of cargo handling equipments through fresh procurement as also upgradation/replacement of existing equipments. Besides this, the minister said that improvement in storage capacities, upgradation on internals circulation for smooth cargo movement within port area and improved rail and road connectivity to hinterland, would also be taken up as part of the ports development plans.