Centre giving spl emphasis on developing ports, says Gadkari

He was speaking at the fourth convocation of the Indian Maritime University held at Semmencherry on Friday.

The minister said that the government has undertaken several initiatives for the revival of ports along with developing the waterway network in the country. He added that maximum number of ports across the country are making profits.

“Across the globe, the progress of the country is dependent on the development of ports. However, we have not realised its complete potential. But now, we are giving special emphasis on this,” he said. “We are transparent, corruption-free and time bound.”

He said that the logistics cost in India is higher, pegged at 16-18 per cent, when compared to Europe and China. Logistics costs in Europe is around 12-13 per cent while in China, it is 8-10 per cent. It is because the two nations heavily rely on waterways, he added.

He also urged the young graduates of the Central University to become entrepreneurs. “I am fully confident of the way in which this sector is changing. I have the statistics to show the increase in employment. But my suggestion is – don’t ask for employment. Rely on innovation, research, experience and technology to start a new business and create employment,”he said.

Various initiatives namely exporting sugar to Bangladesh via waterways, setting up desalination plants in three ports – Thoothukudi, Kandla and Paradip – and among others were mentioned.

More than 2,000 graduates from various streams were awarded degree certificates on the occasion. Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan was also present.