Maharashtra plans port policy by end-Jan

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is planning to come up with a policy on port by the end of January, to improve trade traffic.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board would become a one-stop destination for entrepreneurs looking to do business in this sector, Gautam Chatterjee, additional chief secretary in-charge of transport and ports, told reporters on Wednesday at an event organised by Assocham in Mumbai.

“The single-window arrangement is part of the ease of doing business plan that the government has been emphasising on,” he said. All approvals for the development of ports, jetties, coastal zone and shipping would be taken care of by the state’s maritime board, he said.

Maharashtra has a 720-km coastline, offering potential for development of the port sector. The policy would also cover development of three creeks — Vasai, Jaigad and Rajapuri — for integrated coastal shipping. A feasibility study is on.

As part of the east-west water transportation plan, the Maritime Board of Maharashtra, the Mumbai Port Trust and the City and Industrial Development Corporation would start a ferry service between Mandwa and Nerul in 18 months, said Chatterjee. “The award for this project will take place soon.” For hinterland connectivity, the maritime board would partner with private players to develop infrastructure.

Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation would also partner with private players for similar projects, as these would be industrial projects, added Chatterjee.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.