Govt to develop new and small ports to boost commercial shipping: Minister.

The government recently said a number of new and small ports will be developed for commercial shipping transportation.

'Based on the traffic and cargo scenario of the 12 major ports, a master plan has been prepared for expansion of port capacity, which includes a number of new ports,' Minister of State for Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan informed the Lok Sabha.

According to the Minister, three major ports that are proposed to be developed -- Sagar Island (West Bengal), Enayam near Colachel (Tamil Nadu) and Paradip (outer harbour) (Odisha).

'The Sagar Island port is estimated to cater traffic of 3.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) in 2020 and 27 MTPA in 2035,' the Minister said in a written reply.

The cost of the first phase of the Sagar Island port is pegged at Rs 1,464 crore.

'The Enayam Port is expected to generate income of Rs 1,149 Cr per annum by the year 2020. Its first phase will cost Rs 6,575 crore, while the total project cost is pegged Rs 27,570 crore,' the Minister said.

ET