New port policy for state soon: Devendra Fadnavis

Union Surface Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has assured the Maharashtra government not to worry about funds. What makes the task of Fadnavis easy in taking ahead the ambitious port policy, which would require major investments up to Rs 50,000 crore if it wants to realise the dream of exploiting the coastal stretch to promote the shipping sector and also export-import business, is the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister has reassured the Maharashtra government to go ahead with the infrastructure upgradation plans required for the development of the ports. Whether it is international airports, mega road projects or new railway networks, the Centre has given its commitment.

On Friday, Fadnvais laid the foundation stone for the Yogayatra Port at Mankhurd in the central suburbs of Mumbai. He laid emphasis on an integrated transport network that would be interlinked with all the ports across Maharashtra. The chief minister said the process has already begun and the state government and Union railway ministry are working out multiple models port-wise that would ease traffic congestion.

“We are connecting Jaigarh-Dighi port and Dighi-Roha port via railways,” the chief minister said. “Yogayatra port will serve as a satellite port,” he added.