Govt incentivising shift towards coastal transport: PM

Government is incentivising a shift towards coastal and inland water transport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today while observing that maritime sector has a vital role in the country's progress.
"Met a delegation from maritime sector. Talked about the vast potential in ship-building & on @makeinindia initiative," he tweeted.
The delegation, led by Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari, called on him on the occasion of National Maritime Day.
In a series of tweets, Modi said the "maritime sector has a vital role in India's progress & government is strengthening the sector through innovative initiatives."
He said the "Centre is incentivising a shift towards coastal & inland water transport" and the proposed 'Sagarmala Project' to link all ports "will go a long way in ensuring port-led development & make our coasts the gateway to our progress."

The Prime Minister added that the government is making every effort to enhance skill development initiatives in the maritime sector by harnessing the country's demographic dividend.

About 2000 cadets of Indian Maritime University (IMU) and its affiliates will receive financial assistance for On-Board Ship Training, he said, adding, "We also want to expand presence of IMU in coastal states."
Modi said that India has great potential in the area of shipbuilding and this must be pursued as part of the 'Make in India' initiative, a PMO statement said earlier.
In the course of discussions, the Prime Minister remarked that India's maritime heritage goes back nearly 5000 years, with the oldest known port being Lothal, the statement said.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to establish a world-class maritime museum, to showcase this glorious aspect of India's history, it added.
Gadkari briefed the Prime Minister on plans for skill development in the shipping sector.