The Centre has earmarked over Rs 1 lakh crore for 100 critical port connectivity projects under the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, according to Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister has stated that the cost of moving goods through the shipping route is always cheaper as he alleviated concerns raised by Punjab on increasing power costs due to coal movement by coastal shipping. He is also monitoring the progress of Sagarmala, an ambitious plan for improving port connectivity and developing coastal regions. The initial plan comprised 802 projects, at a budget estimate of Rs 5.4 lakh crore.
Additionally, 567 new projects with an estimated cost of Rs 59,000 crore were added during the last Sagarmala Apex Body meeting held in May last year. “There is Rs 1 lakh crore PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, which has given us further opportunities by bringing 18 infra allied ministries together to work under one single banner,” Sonowal said.