Lok Sabha Question No. 1330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Growth of Indian Maritime Sector
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Krishna Pal Singh Yadav, Unmesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil, Sujay Radhakrishna Vikhepatil, Heena Vijaykumar Gavit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1330

ANSWERED ON 09.02.2024

## GROWTH OF INDIAN MARITIME SECTOR

1330.  PROF. RITA BAHUGUNA JOSHI:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

DR. KRISHNA PAL SINGH YADAV:

SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL:

DR. SUJAY RADHAKRISHNA VIKHE PATIL:

DR.  HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  has  contributed  to  the  growth  and development of the Indian maritime sector;
- (b) the  steps  taken  to  promote  skill  development  and  employment  opportunities  in the maritime sector;
- (c) the  steps  taken  to  foster  international  cooperation  and  collaboration  in  the maritime sector; and
- (d) the steps taken to promote coastal tourism and cruise tourism in India?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) Government  has  launched  the  Sagarmala  Programme  with  the  objective  of fostering  port-led  development,  reducing  logistics  costs,  and  accelerating  economic growth. The programme includes projects from various categories such as modernisation of existing  ports  and  terminals,  construction  of  RoRo/  RoPax&  tourism jetties,  enhancement  of  port  connectivity,  fishing  harbours,  skill  development  and technology centres, etc. There are 839 projects worth investment of ~Rs. 5.8 Lakh crore for implementation under the Sagarmala Programme. Out of which, 241 projects worth ~Rs. 1.22 lakh crore have been completed. These projects are being implemented by relevant  central  ministries,  state  governments,  major  ports,  and  includes  projects supported  under  PPP,  internal  resources  of  Ports,  and  Equity  Investments.  Projects having high social impact but with no return or low Internal Rate of Return are being provided  financial  assistance  under  the  Sagarmala  Scheme  of  Ministry  of  Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Till date, a total of 171 projects worth Rs. 4525 Cr. have been

supported under Sagarmala scheme for partial funding. Out of 171 projects, 55 projects have been completed.

(b) More  than  60,000  candidates  have  been  trained  under  various  initiatives  of Sagarmala Programme, including DeenDayalUpadhayayGrameenKaushalyaYojana (DDUGKY)  convergence,  Multi  Skill  Development  Centre,  Alang  Safety  Training Institute and Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Ship Building.

(c) The Government has engaged in collaborations with  various countries through both  multilateral  and  bilateral  agreements  in  the  maritime  sector  as  well  as  joint maritime  meetings.  Further,  the  Government  actively  participates  in  partnerships  with international  organizations  such  as  the  International  Maritime  Organization  (IMO),  of which India is a member state.

(d) The Government has taken several steps to promote coastal and cruise tourism in India including priority berthing for cruise vessel, rationalised cruise tariff, discounts to cruise  ships  based  on  volume  of  their  calls,  removal  of  ousting  charges,  single  eLanding Card, E-Visa and on-arrival visa facilities and waiving of cabotage for foreign cruise vessels etc.

Additionally, under Sagarmala Programme, the Government has undertaken development  of  63  infrastructure  projects  at  57  locations  to  facilitate  passenger  and cargo transportation through RoPax and Passenger ferry services, of which 10 projects have  already  been  completed  and  4  locations  are  now  operational.  This  improved connectivity  through  RoPax  services  has  stimulated  economic  activities  in  coastal regions  by  facilitating  unhindered  movement  of  goods  and  people,  which  in  turn  has contributed to the development of local industries and tourism.

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