Central Government launches Rs 5.60 trillion maritime projects

The Union government announced that 802 Sagarmala projects, valued at Rs 5.60 trillion, were being carried out across India. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Andhra Pradesh was responsible for 113 of these projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.23 trillion. It was reported that nearly 36 projects, totalling Rs 320.21 million, had already been completed. The MoPSW was concentrating on port connectivity, coastal community development, and shipping, in accordance with the recommendations of the Maritime Board. In connection with this, a review meeting was held by the Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with representatives from the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), Indian Maritime University (IMU), and Visakhapatnam campus. The Union Minister had officially inaugurated the Visakhapatnam International Cruise Terminal (VICT) and three other significant projects at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). VICT was a substantial infrastructure enhancement initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Ports under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve the Ministry’s objectives. The international cruise terminal had been developed as part of the Visakha Port Modernisation project. With the terminal becoming operational, maritime tourism was expected to receive a boost, creating employment opportunities. Additionally, the city was likely to establish connections with Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kandla, and Goa. Furthermore, the ministry was also in the process of expanding the cargo facilities at VPA using advanced technologies. Also read:  Vizag International Cruise Terminal Inaugurated Tamil Nadu Seeks Central Aid for Port Development