Panaji, June 25 (IANS). Referring to the rich maritime heritage of Goa, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said that the Central Government is committed to give a new impetus to the development of the state’s maritime sector.
Speaking to the media, Union Minister Sonowal announced that projects worth about Rs 2,000 crore will be brought in Goa for the development of the maritime sector. He also said that the Goa Water Metro project is being taken forward on priority basis, which will provide modern and better water transportation facilities to the people of the state.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Development too, heritage too’, Sonowal said that the country should move forward on the path of development by cherishing the heritage, culture and values handed down by its ancestors. He said that the government is continuously working to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the country along with creating modern infrastructure.
Expressing his gratitude to the Goa government, he said that the Central and State governments together are working rapidly towards strengthening the marine infrastructure. Projects like water metro will not only improve the transportation system, but will also give new strength to tourism and local economy.
Actually, Sonowal said these things at the inauguration of the new G+3 administrative building for the ‘Captain of Ports’ on the riverfront of Panaji. On this occasion, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik and many senior officials were present.
At the same time, on the occasion of the 154th Foundation Day of Mumbai Port Authority last Thursday, Sonowal had said that in the last 154 years, Mumbai Port has not only made a significant contribution in making Mumbai the financial and business capital of the country, but has also given a new identity to the maritime sector of India. He said that every achievement of the institute is the result of collective efforts of officers, employees, workers, port users and all stakeholders.
The Union Minister said that Mumbai Port is today becoming a center of new opportunities in areas like investment, tourism, logistics and energy security. He also mentioned various projects related to international cruise terminal, ferry jetty projects, Jawahar Island redevelopment and energy infrastructure on which Mumbai Port Authority is working at a fast pace.
According to an official statement, on the occasion, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched 63 projects worth a total of Rs 5,028.17 crore, which included inauguration of 7 projects worth Rs 132.29 crore, foundation stone laying of 34 projects worth Rs 1,354.59 crore and announcement of 22 new projects worth Rs 3,541.29 crore.
–IANS
DBP
