Port modernisation projects to add 220 million tonnes capacity

Traffic at major ports declined last year due to ban on iron-ore mining and global slowdown, says Milind Deora

Government today said the 43 port modernisation and expansion projects under implementation at an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore are expected to add about 220 million tonnes capacity.

Minister of State for Shipping Milind Deora said in Rajya Sabha that the capacity of all major ports, as on March 31, 2013, was 744.91 million tonne per annum (MTPA).

'There are 43 modernisation and expansion projects awarded and under implementation at an estimated cost of about Rs 12,000 crore which are expected to add about 220 million tonnes capacity on their completion,' he said.

The Minister noted that traffic at major ports declined last year due to ban on iron-ore mining and global slowdown.

He said this year onwards all major ports are required to prepare RFD document (results framework document) giving a summary of key results they want to achieve during the financial year on various performance indicators.

The document provides objectives and the basis to evaluate port performance at the end of the year.

The targets set for cargo handling by 13 major ports, including Kandla, JNPT and Haldia Dock Complex, for the current fiscal is 609 million tonnes.

Vasan also informed that periodic meetings are held with major ports to review port performance.

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Girija Vyas said that under the preparatory phase of Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY), funds to the tune of Rs 108 crore have been released to 200 cities for undertaking preparatory activities like slum survey, GIS mapping of slums, GIS-MIS integration and preparation of Slum-Free City Plans.

She also informed that survey of slums are being carried out in 942 cities.

In addition, she said, 55 pilot projects with a total project cost of about Rs 2,468.21 crore involving central share of Rs 1,160.82 crore for construction/up gradation of 42,488 dwelling units (DUs) have been approved.