- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ro-Pax terminal at Hazira and flagged off the Ro-Pax ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha in Gujarat via video conferencing.
- He also interacted with the local users. He renamed the Ministry of Shipping as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- The Prime Minister said to strengthen the Blue Economy’s stake in Atmanirbhar Bharat, there is a great need to strengthen the maritime logistics.
- He was concerned that today, the cost of carrying goods from one part of the country to another is more than other countries.
A recent news report edited by Jagannath in the Mint reveals that PM Modi flags off Ro-Pax ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha in Gujarat.
Cost of Logistics is reduced
He suggested that the cost of Logistics can be reduced by water transport.
Therefore, he said our focus should be to create an ecosystem where there can be seamless movement of cargo.
He added the country is now making rapid strides in the direction of multimodal connectivity to reduce logistics costs and efforts have been made to improve connectivity between road, rail, air and shipping infrastructure and also to overcome the silos.
He said multimodal logistics parks are being constructed in the country. He added that multimodal connectivity is being developed with our neighbouring countries also.
He wished that with these efforts the cost of logistics in the country should come down and give impetus to India’s economy.
Water resource based economy gaining momentum
Facilities like today’s Ro-Pax Ferry service or Sea Plane inaugurated a few days ago, is giving a lot of momentum to water-resource based economy.
Over the years, serious efforts have also been made to strengthen the Blue Economy in the country.
The ecosystems and many schemes made over the years to help the fishermen like financial aid to fishermen for modern trollers or navigation systems that provide accurate information of weather and sea routes.
He assured that safety and prosperity of fishermen is the priority of the Government. He added that the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is also promoting fish related trade.
Under this scheme, ₹20,000 crore would be spent for infrastructure related to fisheries in the coming years.
A Diwali gift
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said today people of Gujarat got their Diwali gift and that everyone will benefit from this better connectivity. He added that business will be boosted and connectivity will become faster.
He further said RO-PAX service between Hazira and Ghogha has made dreams come true for the people of Saurashtra and South Gujarat, as the journey is shortened from 10-12 hours to 3-4 hours. He said this will save time and expenses will also be reduced.
He said about 80,000 passenger trains and 30,000 trucks will be able to take advantage of this new service in a year.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Live Mint
