Budget 2020 allocation to Sagarmala is lower than the cost of planned initiatives

01 Feb 2020 CW Staff

For ports and waterways, Budget 2020 has laid emphasis on considering corporatising at least one major port and its listing on stock exchanges. It has mentioned a governance framework keeping with global benchmarks needed for more efficient seaports. Also, economic activity along river banks to be energized as per Prime Minister’s Arth Ganga concept.

Sharing his reaction on the Budget 2020 Outlook for the Ports sector, K Ravichandran, Senior Vice President & Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA, says, “The government announced that the development on the National Waterway -1 is expected to be completed shortly. Further, the 890 km Dhubri-Sadiya connectivity will be done by 2022. This will make movement of freight/passengers cheaper.” He adds, “The announcement to continue support for the development of other inland waterways (apart from National Waterway 1) is a positive. Further, announced plans to corporatise at least one of the 12 major ports and subsequently list it on the exchanges is a positive step towards government disinvestment in the ports sector.”

“However,” Ravichandran says, “…as seen in previous years, the budget allocation to the Sagarmala projects is lower than the cost of planned initiatives. The revised estimate for Sagarmala in 2019-20 was low – 44 per cent of the Rs 3.17-billion budget estimate for asset creation. The budget allocation for 2020-21 has accordingly been reduced to Rs 2.97 billion.”

Overall, the impact of the budget is neutral on the sector.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..