'Govt to Develop Existing Ports'

"As on date, 18 projects have been awarded in major ports including Kolkata Port in the year 2016-17," Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

In a reply to another question, the Minister informed Parliament that the government has prepared a 'Port Master Plan' for 12 major ports keeping in view the requirement for cargo handling till 2035.

"A total of 142 port modernization and 30 port connectivity projects have been identified in the master plans," the Minister informed the Lok Sabha.

The government said it is keen on developing the existing port infrastructure in the country.

"The objectives of these projects are to promote port led development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently and cost effectively and efficient evacuation to and from hinterland."

"These identified projects will be taken up over the next 20 years (till 2035) for implementation in phases," added the Minister.