The Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan has informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question that the Government has requested all Coastal States in the Country to explore the possibility of setting up a new Major Port or a new Ship Building Yard or a composite Port-cum-Shipbuilding yard in their States and submit a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry of Shipping.
The Minister stated that as per Indian Ports Act, 1908, the development of non-major ports (Minor Ports) vest with the respective State Governments.
The Minister has further stated that the ports and the approach channels are being deepened by Capital dredging to attract bigger vessels, Mechanization of berths by installing conveyors and pipelines are taken up, shore equipment are being added to increase the loading/unloading rate and reduce ship idle time and existing berths are being strengthened.
In order to handle huge traffic at ports in the country, the Government has taken the initiative for construction/upgradation of berths, deepening of channels, rail/road connectivity projects, equipment upgradation/modernization schemes etc., he added.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 26, 2012;