In 2014, the Ministry of Shipping will be focused on new capacity augmentation projects and mechanization projects apart from capital dredging projects which are critical to improve the competitiveness of the Major Ports.
To achieve the Twelfth Plan targets for capacity augmentation, the work on two new Major Ports, one at Sagar Island in West Bengal and the other at Durgarajpatnam in Andhra Pradesh is in progress. These two Ports will add additional capacity of around 100 MTPA.
Inland waterways
Ministry of Shipping regulates the development of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Sector through Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The development of IWT sector is a thrust area during the 12th Plan. So far, five waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs). In addition, Barak River from Lakhipur in Manipur to Bhanga in Assam (121 km) is proposed to be declared as the sixth National Waterway.
During 2013-14, Transportation of three MTPA of imported coal for seven years from Haldia (Sandheads) to NTPC’s power plant at Farakka through National Waterway has been commenced in November, 2013.
[mappress]
Press Release, December 23, 2013