Panaji: If the state government accepts the proposal of the Union ministry of shipping, road transport and highways, to develop inland waterways in the state, then Goa may have internal passengers' cruise services operating in the state, Union minister of shipping, road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday.
Pointing out that the ministry's top most priority is to develop water transport, Gadkari said that the Union government will invest in the development of inland waterways and assured that Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) will help the state in the project.
Addressing the concluding session of a seminar on coastal shipping at MPT, Gadkari said that the ministry has decided to introduce a bill in the upcoming Parliament session to declare all rivers as inland waterways. "Like airport, we want to develop sea port or water port, services of which can be used by passengers," Gadkari added.
He said that his ministry wants to encourage ship building and ship breaking business in India and noted that Goa has the potential to go into this business.
Gadkari said that the ministry also wants to encourage tourism including cruise tourism in the state.
He assured delegates attending the seminar on coastal shipping to find a solution to their problems related to transportation of cargo from Goa to JNPT, Mumbai to encourage industry in Goa.
"I have also directed the MPT to find out if there is feasibility for setting up of dry port or satellite port in and around the state," Gadkari said.
There are around 12 main ports in India and whenever ports make profits they have to pay income tax, Gadkari said adding "I have directed the profit making ports to invest in land acquisition for setting up new ports in India." The Union government plans to construct around 35 major ports across the country.
He said he is visiting Chennai on Tuesday to discuss the realignment of the Ram Sethu dam but did not elaborate further.
Gadkari requested the delegates to explore the possibility of building light weight high speed passenger boats with the help of international consultants which can be used for tourism.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Cruise-services-for-Goa-Gadkari/articleshow/45016573.cms
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