JNPT, Karnataka benefit from coastal berth scheme

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the Karnataka government are the most recent beneficiaries of the Central government's financial assistance of Rs 2,302 crore for projects under coastal berth scheme of Sagar Mala, an official statement said on Friday.

The two were given financial assistance for developing coastal infrastructure at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Karwar Port and Old Manglore Port.

"Rs 25 crore were sanctioned for construction of coastal berth (270m x 30m) at JNPT. Rs 114.4 crore were sanctioned for the Karnataka government for extension of the existing Southern breakwater by 145 metres, construction of a new North breakwater of 1,160 metres, construction of coastal berths at Karwar port and construction of coastal berth an capital dredging at Old Manglore port," said the Shipping Ministry statement.

The Sagar Mala project is a strategic and customer-oriented initiative of the government to modernise India's ports so that port-led development can be augmented and coastlines can be developed to contribute in the country's growth

According to the Ministry, after due appraisal in consultation with NITI Aayog and Department of Expenditure, it has extended the period of the scheme for three years, upto March 31, 2020 and expanded its scope to cover capital dredging at major ports and preparation of DPR for coastal

berth project, in October 2017.

The coastal berth Ssheme aims to provide financial support to ports or state governments for creation of infrastructure for movement of cargo and passenger by sea or national waterways.

The projects under the scheme are distributed over eight states with the highest number of projects in Maharashtra (12), Andhra Pradesh and Goa (10), Karnataka (six), Kerala and Tamil Nadu (three), Gujarat (two) and West Bengal (one).

"Out of the 47 projects, 23 projects worth Rs 1,075.61 crore have been sanctioned for total financial assistance of Rs 390.42 crore and Rs 230.01 crore has been released to major ports, state maritime boards and state governments.

"The remaining 24 projects are under various stages of development and process of approval," said the statement.

Once completed, the projects will help promote coastal shipping and increase its share in domestic cargo movement.

"Better infrastructure for coastal shipping will decongest rail and road network besides ensuring cost competitive and effective multi-modal transportation solution. The country has high potential to use coastal shipping for its internal cargo movement given its 7,500 km long coastline," said the statement.

--IANS

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