Shipping ministry to launch new projects worth Rs. 13,700 crore.

Encouraged by last financial year's success in awarding projects, the shipping ministry has drawn up another ambitious target to award over 35 ventures worth over Rs. 13,700 crore and plans to add about 259 million tonnes capacity this year. However, this time, the shipping ministry will shift its focus from capacity augmentation projects like in the past to port infrastructure and connectivity projects, the lack of which has often been highlighted by private developers.

Officials said about 23 projects worth Rs. 5,202 crore will be taken up on a priority basis while the rest have been marked as standby projects. 'We've awarded enough capacity enhancement projects and should now focus on implementing them. This year, we will pay attention to rail road connectivity and port infrastructure projects,' said a senior shipping ministry official, who preferred anonymity.

ET